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 organization also sponsored the job fair on Culver Steps and a networking happy hour for media AI companies in Culver City. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 But landlords didn’t just attend user groups and happy hours to learn and swap information. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 2026 The drinks, including a stellar list of toast-worthy sparkling wines, live up to the luxury billing—and affordably so during the happy hour on Tuesday through Saturday afternoons. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Sky Port, which serves high-end fusion cuisine, is open for happy hour, dinner service, and Sunday brunch. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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