O’clock: meaning, definitions and examples

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o’clock

 

[ əˈklɒk ]

Adverb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

time

Used to specify the exact time when something should happen. It is a contraction of 'of the clock'.

Synonyms

exactly, sharp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
o’clock

Used to indicate the exact hour when telling time. It is typically used in informal or everyday conversation.

  • We will meet at 5 o’clock.
  • The party starts at 8 o’clock.
sharp

Used to indicate exactness in time with a sense of urgency or importance. It gives a strict or definitive timeline.

  • The train leaves at 7 o’clock sharp, don't be late.
  • Dinner will be served at 6 PM sharp.
exactly

Indicates precise accuracy and is used not only in the context of time but also to emphasize the correctness or preciseness of any statement or detail.

  • The meeting starts at exactly 2 PM.
  • That’s exactly what I was thinking.

Examples of usage

  • The meeting is at 3 o'clock.
  • I'll meet you at 6 o'clock sharp.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

An informal way of referring to a point in time, especially when emphasizing punctuality or a specific time.

Synonyms

hour, time.

Examples of usage

  • We should be there at 8 o'clock.
  • Don't be late, we agreed on 9 o'clock.

Translations

Translations of the word "o’clock" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em ponto

🇮🇳 बजे

🇩🇪 Uhr

🇮🇩 tepat

🇺🇦 о годині

🇵🇱 punkt

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 heure

🇪🇸 en punto

🇹🇷 saat

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 بالضبط

🇨🇿 hodina

🇸🇰 hodina

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 točno

🇮🇸 klukkan

🇰🇿 сағат

🇬🇪 საათი

🇦🇿 saat

🇲🇽 en punto

Etymology

The term 'o'clock' originates from Middle English and was first used in the 15th century. It is a contraction of 'of the clock', indicating a specific time. The use of 'o'clock' has since become a common way to specify time in English.