rush hour

American  

noun

1. a time of day in which large numbers of people are in transit, as going to or returning from work, and that is characterized by particularly heavy traffic.

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rush hour British  

noun

1. a period at the beginning and end of the working day when large numbers of people are travelling to or from work

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Other Word Forms

• rush-hour
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of rush hour

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A van smashed through a security barricade near the White House early Wednesday, authorities said, forcing a temporary shutdown of the area in downtown Washington during morning rush hour.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

Delayed and cancelled trains disrupted Atocha in Madrid, Spain's busiest train station, as thousands of passengers crowded the platforms during the morning rush hour.

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

It did so in the morning rush hour, but not in the evening, when in fact they were slower, National Highways found.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Caruso uses his riches, deep connections and billion-dollar smile to solve homelessness, housing affordability and how to get from the Westside to the Eastside in 20 minutes during Friday rush hour.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025

It’s rush hour when I finally get on the train to go back home.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez

Related Words

• congestion
• traffic jam