happy hour

noun

1. a cocktail hour or longer period at a bar, during which drinks are served at reduced prices or with free snacks:

   happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m.

happy hour

noun

1. a time, usually in the early evening, when some pubs or bars sell drinks at reduced prices

Word History and Origins

Origin of happy hour¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Idioms and Phrases

A period in the late afternoon or early evening when a bar or lounge features drinks at reduced prices. For example, The hotel bar has a happy hour from five to seven every day . [1960s]

Example Sentences

We’re in a collective mental health crisis, with isolation wreaking havoc and Zoom happy hours not solving anything.

From Eater

She found any excuse to throw parties with her friends and family, whether for Halloween or happy hour.

From Washington Post

I’ve never seen the patio where we’re set to host our happy hour the night before.

From Fortune

Having a community of friends who are always down to take in those landscapes on a happy hour hike is definitely a close second.

From Outside Online

The group of six men decided to start having socially distant happy hours on their lawn chairs in their shared cul-de-sac.

From Washington Post

As the crowd sucked down the debate happy-hour specials in the hours before the debate, a worried frisson settled over them.

From The Daily Beast

With a Republican frontrunner weaker than a happy-hour margarita and a significantly reshuffled deck of challengers.

From The Daily Beast

They should spend more time in the kitchen and less time worrying about the specials and happy-hour board.

From The Daily Beast

The happy hour shall come, all the more appreciated because it comes unexpectedly.

From Project Gutenberg

The day wears away, and at length comes the happy hour when gown and slippers may be brought into requisition.

From Project Gutenberg

Looking back afterwards that seemed to Judith to be the last happy hour she had with Nancy for some time.

From Project Gutenberg

The change he marked was not the influence of the present happy hour; a stronger and less recent power had done the magic work.

From Project Gutenberg

And now, as the happy hour of his departure was quickly approaching, he became silent for a little.

From Project Gutenberg