five-o'clock
UK[ˌfaɪv əˈklɒk]US[ˌfaɪv əˈklɑːk]
n
The time of five o'clock.
n
(informal) A late afternoon tea or social gathering, typically held around five o'clock.
Etymology
The term "five-o'clock" is a straightforward English compound that directly denotes a specific hour on the clock face. Its formation follows the common English pattern of combining a numeral with the contracted phrase "o'clock," which itself evolved from Middle English phrases like "of the clokke," meaning "according to the clock." The term's secondary, informal meaning for a social event held at that hour, such as "five-o'clock tea," emerged in the 19th century, particularly in British and American social customs. This evolution demonstrates how a simple time designation can become lexicalized and acquire specific cultural connotations.
Analysis
This is a fixed compound expression formed from the numeral "five" and the noun "o'clock." It functions as a single lexical unit. "Five" is from Old English fīf, of Proto-Germanic origin. "O'clock" is a contraction of the phrase "of the clock."
Examples
She has a dentist appointment at five-o'clock.
They were invited to a casual five-o'clock at the neighbor's house.
The factory whistle blows every day at five-o'clock.