happy hour

noun

: a period of time during which the price of drinks (as at a bar) is reduced or hors d'oeuvres are served free

Examples of happy hour in a Sentence

Happy hour runs from 5:00 to 7:00.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Pull up to the docks, anchor your boat, and sip on a cocktail during happy hour. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026 Accommodations and gathering spaces are closely grouped to keep people together, including the long, family-style tables for meals and board games, daily activities, and nightly happy hours hosted by the property. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 Place it on your coffee table with a candle and your remotes, and then tote it around with a round of martinis come pre-dinner happy hour. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026 Expect more work happy hours with real NA options, more weddings with zero-proof bars and more brand campaigns that don’t treat alcohol as the default social lubricant. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for happy hour

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of happy hour was in 1951

Rhymes for happy hour

See All Rhymes for happy hour

Browse Nearby Words

happy-go-lucky
happy hour
happy hunting ground
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Happy hour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happy%20hour. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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