What is hour? Pronunciation and usage in English

hour means . Learn how to pronounce and use hour through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hour

hournoun

/ˈaʊə/
Definition & pronunciation of hour

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hour" in English. It’s a tricky one for some learners! Here's the breakdown:

The typical pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈaʊər/ (rhymes with "ower")**

Let's break that down further:

  • “ow” – This is the trickiest part! It's a rounded vowel sound, similar to the "o" in "low" or "cow." It’s not like the "ou" in "out."
  • “er” – This is a simple, short “er” sound, like in “her.”

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

Imagine you're saying "ower" without the "w." Focus on that rounded "ow" sound.

Resources to help you hear it:

To summarize: Aim for a sound like "ower." Practice saying it slowly and focusing on that distinct "ow" vowel sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with the same "ow" sound?
  • Record myself saying "hour" so you can hear it?

Usage and examples with the word hour in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hour" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Unit of Time (Most Common)

  • Definition: An hour is a unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
  • Examples:
    • "I'll be there in an hour." (Referring to a specific time)
    • "Let's meet at 3 pm – that’s in an hour."
    • "It's been an hour since I called you."
    • "We have an hour to finish the project."
    • "The meeting will last for two hours." (Plural form)

2. "An Hour" (Indefinite Amount of Time)

  • Definition: "An hour" often refers to a general amount of time, without specifying a particular time. It suggests a reasonable length of time.
  • Examples:
    • "I spent an hour reading." (Just stating you read for a period)
    • “It takes an hour to drive to the beach.” (Describing the travel time)
    • "She worked an hour extra tonight."

3. "The Hour" (Historical/Figurative)

  • Definition: This refers to a specific, often darker, time in history, particularly in naval warfare. It's a historical term.
  • Examples:
    • "The hour of greatest peril." (Referring to a dangerous or critical moment)
    • “The hour of reckoning.” (Referring to a time when something is brought to account)
  • Note: This usage is less common in everyday conversation.

4. "Hour Hand" and "Minute Hand" (Clock Terminology)

  • Definition: These are the two hands on a clock face.
  • Examples:
    • “The hour hand is pointing at 3.”
    • “Check the minute hand – it’s almost time to leave.”

5. "Hourglass" (Object)

  • Definition: An hourglass is a device used to measure time, showing the passage of time through the flow of sand.
  • Example: “I used an hourglass to time the race.”

6. "Hour-long" (Adjective Phrase)

  • Definition: Describes something that lasts for an hour.
  • Example: "We had a hour-long discussion about the budget."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • "An" vs. "The": Use "an hour" for a general, indefinite amount of time. Use “the hour” for more specific references (often historical or symbolic).
  • Plural Form: "Hours" is the plural of "hour." "I have three hours free.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you trying to use "hour" in? (e.g., telling time, describing an activity, something about history?)

Synonyms for the word hour

Idioms of the word hour

all hours
any time, especially a time that is not usual or suitable
  • He's started staying out till all hours (= until very late at night).
  • She thinks she can call me at all hours of the day and night.
at the eleventh hour
at the last possible moment; just in time
    at an unearthly hour
    (informal)very early, especially when this is annoying
    • The job involved getting up at some unearthly hour to catch the first train.
    at an ungodly hour
    (informal)very early or very late and therefore annoying
    • I apologize for calling you at this ungodly hour.
    the evil hour/day
    (often humorous)the time when you have to do something difficult or unpleasant
    • I’d better go and see the dentist—I can’t put off the evil hour any longer.
    • If you keep on borrowing, you are only postponing the evil day when you have to pay it all back.
    keep… hours
    if you keep regular, strange, etc. hours, the times at which you do things (especially getting up or going to bed) are regular, strange, etc.
      kill time | kill an hour, a couple of hours, etc.
      to spend time doing something that is not important while you are waiting for something else to happen
      • We killed time playing cards.
      the small/early hours
      the period of time very early in the morning, soon after midnight
      • We worked well into the small hours.
      • The fighting began in the early hours of Saturday morning.
      • The party continued well into the early hours.

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