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 is beautiful and it’s weird. If you go at the right time of day, at sunset, it’s an incredible view,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

"Caffeine is neither 'good' nor 'bad'. It is a biologically active substance whose effects depend on dose, time of day, age, lifestyle, sleep quality, stress burden, and individual sensitivity," the expert concludes.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026

They can be used at any time of day at the weekend and on bank holidays.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

Scientists have long known that avocado trees live a somewhat spicy life, changing sexes depending on the time of day.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026

At this time of day it was thronged with men pulling on their gowns for dinner, or hurrying to leave papers or briefcases in the common room before moving into the hall.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman