time zone

noun

1. one of the 24 regions or divisions of the globe approximately coinciding with meridians at successive hours from the observatory at Greenwich, England.

time zone

noun

1. a region throughout which the same standard time is used. There are 24 time zones in the world, demarcated approximately by meridians at 15° intervals, an hour apart See also zonetime

time zone

1. Any of the 24 divisions of the Earth's surface used to determine the local time for any given locality. Each zone is roughly 15° of longitude in width, with local variations for economic and political convenience. Local time is one hour ahead for each time zone as one travels east and one hour behind for each time zone as one travels west. The International Meridian Conference in 1884 established the prime meridian as the starting point for the 24 zones.

2. See more at International Date Line standard time

Word History and Origins

Origin of time zone¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

"This route has tolls, includes a car transporter train, crosses through France and ends in a different time zone."

From BBC

There were two such kickoffs in the Big Ten last season, and only one that included a team hopping three time zones to the west.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the first win outside of the West since 2012 for USC, which had lost 14 straight games in the Eastern and Central time zones.

From Los Angeles Times

Those changes will be put to the test this week when USC crosses two time zones.

From Los Angeles Times

R360 officials will have to convince media bosses that a new series spread over many time zones, with fluctuating start times, will not get lost in the schedules.

From BBC