o'clock
/əˈklɑk/ adverb A1- 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. · We are expected to be there at six o'clock in the morning!· It is two o'clock.
- Used to indicate that it is time to do a specific action, or time for a specific action to occur. · I'm feeling peckish; I think it must be nearly dinner o'clock.· We're here at Waffle House, and it's waffles o'clock!
- 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.
From the library
It was just four o'clock when we reached the curious apartment of Nathan Garrideb.
If so, kindly wire to Ferguson, Cheeseman's, Lamberley, and I will be at your rooms by ten o'clock.
Promptly at ten o'clock next morning Ferguson strode into our room.
However, I will only say at the present stage that your problem does not appear to me to be insoluble, and that you may expect to find us at Victoria at two o'clock."
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