What is hourglass? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of hourglass in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of hourglass

hourglassnoun
đồng hồ cát
/ˈaʊəɡlɑːs//ˈaʊərɡlæs/

Where does the word hourglass come from?

The word "hourglass" originated in the 14th century from the combination of two Old French words: "heure" meaning "hour" and "glas" meaning "glass". Early hourglasses were indeed made of glass, with the narrowing of the middle section allowing sand to flow from the top bulb to the bottom in a controlled and precise manner. In the Middle Ages, hourglasses were used to measure time on ships and in trade, as the exact passage of time was crucial for navigation and commerce. Over time, the material used to make hourglasses evolved, and they were crafted in various materials such as wood, metal, and clay. Despite this, the name "hourglass" has stuck, a testament to its medieval origins and the original glass construction that gave us this iconic symbol of timekeeping.

Vocabulary summary hourglass

type noun

meaning Hourglass

Example of vocabulary hourglassnamespace

The sand shifted slowly through the narrow neck of the hourglass, marking the passage of each precious hour.
The delicate glass figure stood tall on the shelf, a symbol of the fleeting nature of time.
As the grains of sand trickled down, she watched in silent contemplation, lost in thought about the transience of existence.
Time seemed to stand still in the ancient hourglass, as if frozen and waiting for an eternity to elapse.
The gentle sound of the hourglass echoed through the room, reminding her of mortality and the pressing need to make every moment count.