in the small hours

/ɪn ðə smɔːl ˈaʊərz/
Add to My Dictionary
In My Dictionary
+1
During the quiet hours after midnight.

Examples

  • She finished the report in the small hours.
  • The train arrived in the small hours.
  • The streets were empty in the small hours.
  • A storm woke us in the small hours.
  • They left the hospital in the small hours.

Similar words

after midnight
in the wee hours

Meanings

After midnight

time
neutral
During the hours after midnight and before dawn.

Examples

  • The train arrived in the small hours.
  • She finished the report in the small hours.
  • A storm woke us in the small hours.
  • They left the hospital in the small hours.
  • The streets were empty in the small hours.

Similar words

Etymology

The fixed phrase places an event within the small hours, the hours after midnight before dawn.

FAQ

What does in the small hours mean?

In the small hours means after midnight and before dawn.

When is in the small hours used?

Use it for something happening very late at night or very early in the morning.

How does in the small hours differ from late at night?

Late at night is broad, while in the small hours points to the hours after midnight.

How is in the small hours used in a sentence?

The train arrived in the small hours.

Is in the small hours formal?

No. It is a natural expression in conversation and writing.

Comments & contributions

Know this word from another angle? Add a correction, a nuance, or a usage note. New posts go public after a quick review.
Posting as a guest · Sign in
No comments yet. Be the first to add one.
Look up word or phrase...