Rush Hour: Definition, Examples, and Usage

Meaning 1：peak traffic time (rush hour)

rush hour 🔊

/rʌʃ aʊər/

The time of day when traffic is busiest and there are a lot of people traveling to or from work, making roads and public transport very crowded.

peak traffic time 🔊

➕

/piːk ˈtræfɪk taɪm/

The period of the day when roads and public transport are most crowded due to people traveling to or from work.

📁 Category：Transportation & Travel 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📖 Root Explanation

Compound word from 'rush' (hurry) and 'hour' (period of time).

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a crowd rushing to work when the clock strikes the peak hour.

📖 Example

The subway is packed during the morning rush hour. 🔊 The subway is extremely crowded during the morning peak traffic time.

🔗 Collocations

morning rush hour – The busy commuting period in the morning

evening rush hour – The crowded travel period in the evening

avoid rush hour – To deliberately travel outside peak traffic times

🔄 Synonyms

peak hour (n.) – The busiest time for traffic or activity

peak time (n.) – The period when demand or traffic is highest

rush period (n.) – A time of intense activity or crowding

🚫 Antonyms

off-peak time (n.) – A period when traffic or demand is low

quiet period (n.) – A time with little activity or congestion

🌱 Derivatives

rush-hour (adj.) – Relating to or occurring during rush hour

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in the late 19th century with the rise of commuter traffic, first recorded in 1899.