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

They have an amazing happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m., and I love their lychee martinis.

From Los Angeles Times

Imagine going to happy hour, your boss calls and your friends decide to play monkey-in-the-middle with your career.

From Salon

Although rock stars aren’t wreaking havoc there anymore, you can still feel their spirit at the hotel’s Riot House restaurant, which will be hosting the official happy hour for Spinning Sunset.

From Los Angeles Times

It's no longer the hot topic at happy hour here in San Francisco.

From BBC

A pandemic placed a years-long pause on happy hour socializing with friends and colleagues.

From Salon