noun
hourglass
OW-uhg-lahs
Hourglass (noun) means a timekeeping device with two glass bulbs joined by a narrow neck, through which sand trickles from top to bottom. Example: “He flipped the hourglass to time the chess move.”
noun
1
A timekeeping device with two glass bulbs joined by a narrow neck, through which sand trickles from top to bottom.
"After each game turn, invert the hourglass to reset the time limit for the next player."
"He flipped the hourglass to time the chess move."
2
A cursor shape (resembling an hourglass) shown while a computer is processing.
"The screen froze with the hourglass spinning endlessly."
How to use hourglass
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sand-timer, or the "please wait" cursor icon on older computer systems.
Common pairings
hourglass figure
hourglass cursor
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Word forms
- Plural
- hourglasses
- Third person singular
- hourglasses
- Past tense
- hourglassed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He flipped the _____ to time the chess move.
Etymology
From hour + glass.
Frequently asked questions
What does “hourglass” mean?
The word “hourglass” means a timekeeping device with two glass bulbs joined by a narrow neck, through which sand trickles from top to bottom. In plain terms, a sand-timer, or the "please wait" cursor icon on older computer systems.
How do you pronounce “hourglass”?
“Hourglass” is pronounced OW-uhg-lahs (/ˈaʊəɡlɑːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “hourglass” in a sentence?
Here is “hourglass” used in a sentence: “He flipped the hourglass to time the chess move.”
What part of speech is “hourglass”?
“Hourglass” is a noun.
How many meanings does “hourglass” have?
“Hourglass” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a timekeeping device with two glass bulbs joined by a narrow neck, through which sand trickles from top to bottom.
