o'clock

1. 1.In conjunction with a numeral, indicates the time within a twelve-hour period (midnight to noon or noon to midnight), specifically the time when the hour hand of a clock points precisely to the symbol or marking corresponding to the designated numeral, i.e., at the hour.

   • I say, Watson, what o'clock is it?
   • We are expected to be there at six o'clock in the morning!

2. 2.Used to indicate that it is time to do a specific action, or time for a specific action to occur.(humorous)

   • “It's lunch o’clock. Wanna go out to eat?”
   • We're here at Waffle House, and it's waffles o'clock!
   • I'm feeling peckish; I think it must be nearly dinner o'clock.

3. 3.In conjunction with a numeral, indicates the direction, relative to the speaker or a vehicle, especially an aircraft, corresponding to the direction the hour hand is pointing at the time corresponding to the numeral, with twelve representing directly ahead on a horizontal plane, or directly up on a vertical plane, and three being to the right on either.

   • At 1057 we were just over the islands and at 1100 the tail gunner reported flak at six o’clock, below.
   • It's at nine o'clock about two feet in from the edge of the branch. You need to know your "o'clocks" (nondigital) to spot birds.
   • Without moving your head, move your gaze upward to look at twelve o’clock. Now look down at six o’clock. Repeat three times, then blink several times, and rest with your eyes closed.

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