afternoon

UK: ˌɑːftəˈnuːn | US: ˌæftərˈnuːn

Definition

  1. n. the period of time between noon and evening

Structure
after <later in time>noon <midday>
Etymology

The word "afternoon" is a straightforward compound of "after" (from Old English æfter, meaning "later in time") and "noon" (from Old English nōn, originally referring to the ninth hour of the day, or around 3 PM, but later shifting to mean midday). The term emerged in Middle English (14th century) as a literal description of the time "after noon." Its logical structure reflects the natural division of the day, making it easy to understand and remember.

Examples

  1. Let’s meet for coffee this afternoon.

  2. She takes a short nap every afternoon.

  3. The afternoon sun warmed the garden.

  4. We have a meeting scheduled for late afternoon.

  5. The storm is expected to arrive by mid-afternoon.