DictionaryAI

afternoon

af-tur-NOON/ˌæf.tɚˈnun/ahf-tuh-NOON/ˌɑːf.təˈnuːn/

Pluralafternoons

5 meanings of afternoon

Practice

  1. 1
    part of the daynouncountable
    The time of day between noon and the evening.

    Like the part of a day after lunch but before it gets dark.

    We spent the whole afternoon at the park.

    Every afternoon, she takes a short nap after lunch.

    UsageSay in the afternoon, on Monday afternoon, and this afternoon (not incorrect: in this afternoon).

    Note
  2. 2
    adverbarchaic
    During the part of the day after noon.
    Afternoon we came to Fuchen, or Xucheu, as others call it, where we were forced to stay to have the boat search’d by the Mandarine or customer.
    1752, Giovanni Francesco Gemelli Careri, anonymous translatorHere, afternoon means during the afternoon, when they arrived.
    I stayd at home till noone, and recᵈ of Crowders for 3 loods of shilling 2l. 8s.; and afternoone I went with my wife to Wakefeild, where by yᵉ way I spent at Toppitt 8d., and wee lay at Jackson’s all night.
    1646, Adam Eyre, “A Dyurnall, or Catalogue of All My Accions and Expences from the 1st of January, 1646–[7]”

    UsageToday people use afternoons for something done regularly in the afternoon: she works afternoons.

    Note
  3. 3
    greetinginterjectionabbreviationellipsis
    Short way of saying good afternoon. Use it as a greeting in the middle part of the day.

    "Afternoon," she said with a quick nod to her neighbor.

    "Afternoon, everyone," the teacher called as she came in.

    UsageYou can say it for hello or goodbye. In formal speech or writing, say good afternoon.

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    late stagenounfigurativelycountable
    The later part of something, often when it is getting weaker.

    Like the late part of a day, when the sun is going down and things slow.

    In the afternoon of his life, he finally learned to relax.

    The company had entered the afternoon of its long history.

    UsageUsually the afternoon of something: the afternoon of his life.

    Similartwilight, autumn

    Oppositedawn

    Note
  2. 5
    partynouncolloquialcountable
    A party or get-together held in the afternoon.

    Like a daytime party, instead of one held at night.

    Our school is holding a family fun afternoon with games and cake.

    The library is hosting a craft afternoon for kids on Saturday.

    UsageOften with a word before it: a craft afternoon, a charity afternoon.

    Similarparty, gathering, reception

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of afternoon apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Middle English, made from "after" plus "noon."

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 1 fact