closing hour

USAGE SUMMARY

"closing hour" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the time when a business or other establishment closes for the day. For example, "The store closes at 8pm, so make sure you are there before closing hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In December, Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin of Miami Beach and the city commission moved the after-hours clubs' closing hour to 9 a.m. from as late as noon, and prohibited admission to people under 21.

The New York Times

That usually means a closing hour of 10 on weeknights and 11 on the weekends.

The New York Times

Events must be finished 30 minutes before the closing hour of Doe Library (generally 9pm during the academic year).

University of California, Berkeley

It makes sense, perhaps, only if you've ever eaten Rocky Mountain oysters in a bar in Butte at closing hour.

The New York Times

Toward the closing hour of the event on Saturday, he had instructed three or four people on how to get the police officer application form.

The New York Times

In March Q Bar is opening a branch in Singapore where it can stay open 24/7, though closing hour will be 4 a.m.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

"The main purpose of the gates is to keep cars from coming into the park after closing hours," Bettar said.

Los Angeles Times

Six of these studies addressed extended trading hours [15– 20], whereas three addressed restrictions in closing hours [21– 23].

Addiction

In particular, the following types of studies have been requested: studies applying stronger research designs [11– 13], studies that relate closing hours to levels of violence [12], studies that assess symmetry in impact of extended versus restricted closing hours [11] and studies that address the possible impact of smaller changes (<2 hours) in closing hours [11].

Addiction

Schools were dismissed and government departments closed hours early.

The New York Times

The chapel opens two or three hours before each match, and closes hours after.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about regulated business hours, specify the "closing hour" clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, state "the bar's closing hour is 2 a.m." rather than "the bar closes late".

Common error

Avoid assuming that all establishments in a particular area share the same "closing hour". Regulations can vary by type of business or even by specific location within a city. Always verify specific times.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "closing hour" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It designates a specific time, as Ludwig AI confirms, referring to the moment when a business or establishment ceases its operations for the day.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "closing hour" is a common noun phrase used to denote the time when a business or establishment ends its daily operations. As Ludwig AI points out, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage is primarily informational, specifying operating hours or regulations. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. Alternative phrases like "end time" or "time of closure" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. When using "closing hour", ensure clarity and avoid assumptions about uniform regulations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time of closure

A more formal and explicit way to state the time when something closes.

end time

This alternative provides a shorter, more direct way to refer to the time of cessation.

cut-off time

This phrase suggests a deadline or a final point beyond which something is not permitted.

last call

Often used in the context of bars or restaurants, indicating the final opportunity to order before closing.

final hour

Emphasizes the last segment of time before something closes or ends.

end of service

Commonly used to announce the termination of service in various contexts, such as transportation or hospitality.

shutdown time

Often used in industrial or technological contexts, indicating the time when machinery or systems are powered down.

ceasing time

A less common but still understandable way to refer to the moment something stops.

curfew

Implies a mandated or enforced closing time, often by an authority.

expiration time

Suggests the time at which something becomes invalid or unusable.

FAQs

How is "closing hour" used in legal contexts?

"Closing hour" often refers to legally mandated times for businesses to cease operations, particularly those selling alcohol or providing late-night services. These regulations aim to manage public order and safety.

What's the difference between "closing time" and "closing hour"?

While similar, "closing hour" specifically refers to the hour at which a business closes, while "closing time" is a more general term that can refer to the specific moment of closure or the period leading up to it.

Are there regions with no mandatory "closing hour"?

Yes, some cities or regions have no legally mandated "closing hour", allowing businesses to operate 24/7. New Orleans and certain areas in Puerto Rico are examples.

Why do "closing hours" vary from place to place?

"Closing hours" are influenced by local laws, cultural norms, and economic considerations. Factors such as tourism, public safety, and the type of business all play a role in determining these regulations.