after hours

1 of 2

phrase

: after the regular quitting or closing time
: 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
At work, Satoko attempts to create a campaign for a new Korean baseball drama that her company is releasing, but after hours she is involved in an extramarital affair with a business associate, Muramoto (Joe Odagiri). — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 This comes after hours of public comment from residents concerned about the potential impact on their community. — Tori Mason, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026
Adjective
If output increases but hours, meetings and after-hours work stay the same or grow, AI may just be accelerating the workload. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026 Daytime and after-hours programming for festival guests will be announced in the coming weeks. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 28 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“After hours.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/after%20hours. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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