ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hours

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈaʊɝz// UK //ˈaʊəz// hours

n. the periods of time that make up a day, each lasting sixty minutes. You also use this word to talk about the specific times when a business or office is open.

n. a unit of time equal to sixty minutes, or one twenty-fourth of a day. Often used in the plural to refer to a fixed period of time set aside for work, business, or specific activities.


SIMPLE

The shop changes its opening hours during the summer.

CONTEXTUAL

After working long hours all week, the medical staff finally had a chance to rest on Sunday.

COMPLEX

The contract clearly stipulates that the employee must remain on-site during core business hours, regardless of whether their specific project tasks are complete.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to business operations or work schedules.

© 2026 English Reference