holy hour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Religious / Literary
Quick answer
What does “holy hour” mean?
A designated time set aside for prayer, quiet reflection, or religious observance, traditionally at noon (midday), especially in a Catholic or Christian context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A designated time set aside for prayer, quiet reflection, or religious observance, traditionally at noon (midday), especially in a Catholic or Christian context.
Any period of time set aside for quiet reflection, spiritual practice, or solemn commemoration. It can also refer ironically to a designated time for heavy drinking in bars (e.g., 'happy hour').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily understood in a religious context in both dialects. The ironic 'drinking' connotation is slightly more likely in AmE due to the prevalence of 'happy hour'.
Connotations
In both, the primary connotation is religious solemnity. The secondary, ironic connotation can carry a tone of irreverent humour.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. More likely encountered in religious communities or historical/literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “holy hour” in a Sentence
[Subject] + observe/keep + [the] holy hour.[Subject] + spend + [the] holy hour + [gerund/prepositional phrase].The holy hour + is/was + [time/event].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy hour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monks would holy hour at midday. (Incorrect - not a verb)
American English
- The monks would observe holy hour at noon. (Correct usage with verb)
adverb
British English
- They prayed holy-hourly. (Incorrect/Unnatural)
American English
- They prayed during the holy hour. (Correct adverbial phrase)
adjective
British English
- They maintained a holy-hour silence in the chapel.
American English
- She kept a holy hour routine each day.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, or literary studies discussing religious practices.
Everyday
Rare. May be used by religious individuals to describe their practice.
Technical
Liturgical term in Christian theology and church schedules.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy hour”
- Using it to mean simply 'a very important hour' without a spiritual/solemn dimension. Confusing it with 'happy hour'. Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to holy hour').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. While traditionally an hour, the term can refer to a significant, dedicated period of time for spiritual practice, which could be shorter or longer.
It is most strongly associated with Catholic tradition (e.g., the 'Holy Hour' of Eucharistic adoration), but the concept of a set time for prayer exists in many Christian denominations and other religions.
Yes, but it is a metaphorical extension. It describes any period treated with similar solemnity, reverence, or deep focus, such as an artist's dedicated studio time or a writer's morning routine.
'Holy hour' is primarily solemn and spiritual. 'Happy hour' is a social, commercial event at bars with discounted drinks. The similarity in sound can sometimes be used for ironic effect, referring to a 'holy hour' in a bar context, but this is not standard.
A designated time set aside for prayer, quiet reflection, or religious observance, traditionally at noon (midday), especially in a Catholic or Christian context.
Holy hour is usually formal / religious / literary in register.
Holy hour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊli aʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊli aʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep the holy hour (observe it faithfully).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'holy hour' as a 'whole hour' you dedicate wholly to spiritual matters.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A SACRED SPACE. (A segment of time is conceptualized as a container for holiness.)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'holy hour' most accurately used?