hourglass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; also common in technical and metaphorical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hourglass” mean?
A device for measuring time, consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows from the upper to the lower bulb in a fixed period, typically one hour.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device for measuring time, consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows from the upper to the lower bulb in a fixed period, typically one hour.
1. A shape or figure characterized by a narrow middle and wider top and bottom, resembling the device. 2. A symbol of the passage of time, often implying limited time or a deadline. 3. In computing, a cursor or icon indicating a system is busy processing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The shape description 'hourglass figure' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of time, measurement, and a specific silhouette.
Frequency
Similar frequency. The computing 'hourglass cursor' (Windows) is a globally recognized term, though often replaced by a spinning wheel or other icons in modern interfaces.
Grammar
How to Use “hourglass” in a Sentence
The hourglass [verb: ran out, was flipped, symbolizes]She has an [adjective: classic, perfect] hourglass figure.The [noun: sand, time] in the hourglass is finite.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hourglass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The project timeline hourglassed from a broad start to a tight deadline.
American English
- Her waist hourglassed dramatically in the vintage dress.
adjective
British English
- She wore an hourglass-corset to achieve the period silhouette.
American English
- The bottle had a distinctive hourglass design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for project deadlines: 'We're in the final hourglass phase of the launch.'
Academic
Used in history of technology, design, and as a metaphor in literature for temporality.
Everyday
Referring to a physical timer or describing a person's body shape.
Technical
In computing for the 'busy' cursor; in ergonomics/design for describing silhouettes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hourglass”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hourglass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hourglass”
- Misspelling as 'ourglass' or 'hour glass' (though 'hour glass' is an older variant).
- Using 'hourglass' to refer to any glass clock (e.g., a grandfather clock).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern standard spelling is as one word: 'hourglass'. 'Hour glass' is an older, now less common variant.
Yes. While historically for one hour, hourglasses were made for various durations (e.g., 1-minute, 30-minute). The term is often used generically for sand timers.
Typically yes, in cultures where that silhouette is fashionable. However, as with any body description, context and sensitivity are important.
It was the default 'busy' cursor in older versions of Microsoft Windows, shaped like an hourglass. It signaled the user to wait for a process to complete.
A device for measuring time, consisting of two glass bulbs connected by a narrow neck, through which sand flows from the upper to the lower bulb in a fixed period, typically one hour.
Hourglass is usually neutral to formal; also common in technical and metaphorical contexts. in register.
Hourglass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaʊəɡlɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈaʊrɡlæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The sands of the hourglass are running low.”
- “Turn the hourglass (start a new period).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word split: 'HOUR' (the time it often measures) + 'GLASS' (the material it's made from).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MOVING SUBSTANCE (sand flowing); LIMITED TIME IS A CONTAINER BEING EMPTIED (the upper bulb).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common metaphorical meaning associated with an 'hourglass'?