afternoon
ahf-tuh-NOON
Afternoon (noun) means the part of the day between noon and evening. Example: “We're meeting for coffee this afternoon.”
noun
1
The part of the day between noon and evening.
"We all sat in stuffy classrooms and had men in tweedy sportscoats ruin our afternoons."
— Michael Miner, Chicago Times (1988)
"We're meeting for coffee this afternoon."
"The shop closes at five in the afternoon."
"And I love to live so pleasantly/Live this life of luxury/Lazing on a sunny afternoon/In the summertime"
— The Kinks, Sunny Afternoon (1966)
"Here the stripped panelling was warmly gold and the pictures, mostly of the English school, were mellow and gentle in the afternoon light."
— Margery Allingham, Miss Thyrza’s Chair (1963)
"On Sunday afternoon the whole family walked along the river and fed the ducks."
How to use afternoon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRoughly midday to early evening.
Common pairings
this afternoon
good afternoon
yesterday afternoon
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Word forms
- Plural
- afternoons
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Etymology
From Middle English after-non — literally "after noon."
Related words
Rhymes for afternoon
See all rhymes for afternoon →Frequently asked questions
What does “afternoon” mean?
The word “afternoon” means the part of the day between noon and evening. In plain terms, roughly midday to early evening.
How do you pronounce “afternoon”?
“Afternoon” is pronounced ahf-tuh-NOON (/ˌæf.tɚˈnun/ in IPA).
How do you use “afternoon” in a sentence?
Here is “afternoon” used in a sentence: “We're meeting for coffee this afternoon.”
What is another word for “afternoon”?
Words with a similar meaning to “afternoon” include arvo, aft, undern and undertime.
What is the opposite of “afternoon”?
The opposite of “afternoon” — its antonyms — is morning.
What part of speech is “afternoon”?
“Afternoon” is a noun.
Where does the word “afternoon” come from?
The word “afternoon” comes from Middle English. From Middle English after-non — literally "after noon.".
Is “afternoon” a common word?
“Afternoon” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What time does the afternoon start and end?
The afternoon runs from noon (12 p.m.) until the evening begins, usually around 5 or 6 p.m., when the light starts to fade. There is no exact cut-off, and it can shift with the seasons and daylight. Anything before midday is morning; the hours after sunset are evening and then night.
What is the difference between afternoon and evening?
The afternoon is the earlier stretch, running from midday until roughly 5 or 6 p.m. The evening follows it, covering the hours from late afternoon through sunset until night. The exact boundary is loose and varies by season and habit, but afternoon is associated with daylight while evening leads into dusk and darkness.
Why do we say "good afternoon"?
"Good afternoon" is a polite greeting used between noon and early evening, sitting between "good morning" and "good evening." It works as both a hello and, in more formal settings, a goodbye. Using the right time-of-day greeting is a small courtesy that signals attentiveness and good manners.
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