time of day

American  

noun

1. a definite time as shown by a timepiece; the hour.

   Can you tell me the time of day?

2. Informal. a minimum of attention.

   He wouldn't even give her the time of day.

3. the current time; the present.

   The younger generation in this time of day encounters problems quite different from those of past generations.

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time of day Idioms  

1. The hour shown on a clock; also, a stage in any activity or period. For example, What time of day is the repairman coming? or This is hardly the time of day to ask for another installment when he's just turned one in. [Late 1500s] Also see not give someone the time of day.

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Etymology

Origin of time of day

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time of day

It can even clock what time of day you’re watching, as well as the obscure Criterion print you’re spinning in your not-smart DVD player.

From Slate ● May 3, 2026

Their performance varies based on weather, time of day and the season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 27, 2026

They controlled for variables like time of day and month, and defined “hot” or “cold” conditions using deviations from averages.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 19, 2026

To get the most out of a gym session, fitness class or a run, do it at the time of day that best suits your own natural internal body clock, say health researchers.

From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026

This wealthy young entrepreneur might not be such a bad sort, if he was prepared to pass the time of day entertaining children.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan