O’clock
Adverb
UK
/əˈklɒk/
US
/əˈklɑːk/
Level: Easy - A1 (Beginner)
Definition
Used to show the exact hour when telling time.
Example
"The meeting starts at nine o’clock."
"We have to leave the house by seven o’clock to reach the airport on time, so don’t forget to set your alarm."
"She asked, “What time is it?” and he replied, “It’s four o’clock,” pointing at the wall clock."
Explanation
O’clock is used when telling the exact time. It comes from “of the clock” and is always used with numbers, like “five o’clock” or “ten o’clock.” It shows full hours, not minutes. For example, 3:00 is “three o’clock,” but 3:15 is “quarter past three,” not “three o’clock.” This word is helpful for beginners learning to read clocks, make plans, or talk about daily schedules in simple English.