closing time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Neutral, Informal
Quick answer
What does “closing time” mean?
The official time when a business, such as a shop, pub, or office, stops operating for the day and is no longer open to the public.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official time when a business, such as a shop, pub, or office, stops operating for the day and is no longer open to the public.
Can metaphorically refer to the end of any period, process, or opportunity. In law, it can refer to the deadline for filing a case or submitting a bid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Conceptually identical. Minor lexical differences: Brits might say 'The pub's closing time is 11 pm' while Americans might say 'The bar's last call is at 11 pm' for a similar concept, but the phrase 'closing time' itself is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Both share the primary connotation. British English more strongly associates it with pub culture (e.g., the call 'Time!'). American English can associate it more with retail stores and official deadlines.
Frequency
Equally frequent and common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “closing time” in a Sentence
The [ESTABLISHMENT]'s closing time is [TIME].It's nearly closing time.[TIME] is closing time for the [ESTABLISHMENT].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “closing time” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager will be closing up at the usual time.
American English
- We close at the posted closing time.
adverb
British English
- He arrived closing-time, just as the shutters came down.
American English
- She worked closing-time late to finish the project.
adjective
British English
- He made a last-minute, closing-time purchase.
American English
- They shared a closing-time drink.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The closing time for bids is 5:00 PM GMT.
Academic
The library's closing time varies during exam periods.
Everyday
We need to hurry; it's almost the supermarket's closing time.
Technical
The system will initiate automatic backup procedures at closing time.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “closing time”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “closing time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “closing time”
- Using 'closing hour' (incorrect; refers to a duration). Confusing with 'closing date' (for deadlines spanning days).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can apply to any establishment with operating hours (e.g., libraries, parks, museums, online auctions, application deadlines).
'Closing time' is a specific point (e.g., 5 PM). 'Closing hours' (less common) refers to the period when a place is closed (e.g., 'The museum's closing hours are from 6 PM to 9 AM').
It's unusual. For meetings, seminars, or events, 'adjournment time', 'finish time', or simply 'the meeting ends at...' is more appropriate.
No. 'Closing time' is exclusively a noun phrase. The related verb is 'to close'.
The official time when a business, such as a shop, pub, or office, stops operating for the day and is no longer open to the public.
Closing time is usually formal, neutral, informal in register.
Closing time: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkləʊz.ɪŋ taɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkloʊ.zɪŋ taɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Last orders! (UK pub context)”
- “Time, gentlemen, please! (UK, traditional pub announcement)”
- “You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. (humorous)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a shopkeeper CLOSING the door at a specific TIME.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER (the period of being open), CLOSING IS SEALING THE CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
In a British context, what is often announced shortly before 'closing time' in a pub?