after hours

1 of 2

phrase

: after the regular quitting or closing time

after-hours

2 of 2

adjective

af·​ter-hours ˌaf-tər-ˈau̇(-ə)rz How to pronounce after-hours (audio)
: engaged in or operating after a legal or conventional closing time
after-hours drinking
an after-hours club

Examples of after hours in a Sentence

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.
Phrase
While the weather forecast does not project any kind of heat wave this week, temperatures on the surface of the Open’s acrylic-on-asphalt hard courts can approach 120 degrees after hours of direct sunlight. — Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026 Inside tip Make the most of a hotel guest perk by visiting parts of Nara Prison Museum during after hours, when the daytime crowds have disappeared. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Adjective
The museum introduced Mindfulness Mornings following the success of its past wellness events — including sound baths that were part of its First Fridays after-hours series. — Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026 Nvidia jolted investors on Wednesday with a projection that its revenue would skyrocket by 70% next fiscal year and said demand for its AI chips is growing at 100%, prompting an after-hours stock rally. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for after hours

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1781, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of after hours was in 1781

Rhymes for after hours

See All Rhymes for after hours

Browse Nearby Words

afterhend
after hours
after-hours
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“After hours.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20hours. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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