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

Uthmeier said ChatGPT also advised the suspect on the time of day and location on campus for the suspect to encounter the most people.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026

Former US military official William Fallon - a retired US Navy admiral - told the BBC that "time of day" probably worked in the rescue mission's favour.

From BBC ● Apr. 5, 2026

She had no companions, and no obvious occupation, apart from that of stopping each and every lone traveler and each conveyance that passed through the Dyke and passing the time of day.

From "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman