rush hour
Definition
- Noun:
- The period of heavy traffic at the beginning and end of the working day: "Rush hour" refers specifically to the times, typically in the morning and evening, when roads and public transportation are most congested due to people commuting to and from work.
Usage
- "Rush hour" is used as a countable noun, often preceded by "the" (e.g., ). It can also be used attributively as a compound modifier (e.g., ).
- It describes a recurring daily event characterized by peak travel demand and congestion.
Examples
- Noun:
- I try to avoid driving during the morning rush hour.
- The subway is extremely crowded at rush hour.
- Rush hour in the city can add an extra hour to your commute.
Advanced Usage
- "The height of rush hour": The busiest, most intense period within the rush hour timeframe.
- Accidents are most disruptive at the height of rush hour.
- "Reverse rush hour": A period of congestion opposite the traditional flow, though this is a related concept, not a variant of the term itself.
Variants and Related Words
- Rush-hour (adj): Used attributively to describe things related to this period.
- We sat in rush-hour traffic for 45 minutes.
- Peak hour(s): A near-synonym often used in the context of public transport and utility demand.
- Commute: The regular journey to and from work, which often occurs during rush hour.
Synonyms
- Peak traffic period(s)
- Commuting hours
Related Phrases
- To beat the rush: To travel before or after the rush hour to avoid congestion.
- We left at 6 AM to beat the rush.
- Rush hour gridlock: A state of severe traffic jam during rush hour.
- The accident caused complete rush hour gridlock on the highway.
Noun
-
the times at the beginning and end of the working day when many people are traveling to or from work
