# top of the hour

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/top-of-the-hour
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The time at (or very close to) the start of the next hour of time.

## Examples

- The news report starts at the top of the hour.
- Please meet me in the lobby at the top of the hour for our scheduled tour.
- The radio host reminded listeners that the final election results would be announced precisely at the top of the hour.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.