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.
The whole standard food menu is $14 or less, and during happy hour, flatbreads are only $10. — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 The Lounge on Pearl offers a creative spin on happy hour with its Martini Clock. — Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 In the evenings, my go-to happy hour order is a brandy old-fashioned (Wisconsin’s official state drink) at the retro-hip supper club, The Del-Bar—a true Wisconsin original. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2026 Cucumber and grapefruit juice combine for ultimate refreshment in this happy hour cocktail. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 23 July 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 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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