Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A long or indefinite period of time: Used to emphasize that an activity lasted for a considerable or seemingly long duration.
   • A fixed period of time designated for work, business, or operation: Refers to the scheduled times during which a person works, a business is open, or an activity regularly occurs.

Examples of Usage

• Indefinite period:

  • We waited for hours, but the bus never came.
  • She can spend hours browsing in that bookstore.

• Scheduled work/operation period:

  • My working hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The bank's hours are posted on the door.

Advanced Usage

• "after hours": after the normal closing or working time.
  • The manager worked on the report after hours.
• "at all hours": at any time, especially very late or inconvenient times.
  • Their dog barks at all hours of the night.
• "to keep regular hours": to follow a consistent daily schedule for sleeping, working, etc.
  • Since the baby was born, it's hard to keep regular hours.

Variants and Related Words

• Hour (noun, singular): A period of time equal to 60 minutes; a specific point in time.
  • The meeting lasted one hour.
  • At that hour, the streets are empty.
• Hourly (adjective/adverb): Occurring every hour; relating to an hour.
  • There is an hourly train service. (adjective)
  • Employees are paid hourly. (adverb)

Synonyms

• A long time: An extended duration (for the indefinite period sense).
• Shift, schedule: A period of work (for the work period sense).

Related Phrases

• "the small hours": the early hours of the morning, after midnight.
  • The party finally ended in the small hours.
• "on the hour": at exactly 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, etc.
  • The news bulletin is broadcast on the hour.
• "out of hours": outside of normal business or operating times.
  • For emergency repairs, please call our out-of-hours service.

Noun

1. an indefinite period of time
   • they talked for hours
2. a period of time assigned for work
   • they work long hours