Noon

/nuːn/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The middle of the day; 12 o'clock in the daytime.
We agreed to meet for lunch at noon.
The time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
The sun blazed down on us at noon.
A time traditionally associated with eating or taking a break.
She always takes a stroll during her break at noon.

Etymology

From Middle English 'none', from Old English 'nóna', referring to the ninth hour after sunrise.

Common Phrases and Expressions

high noon
Refers to midday when the sun is at its zenith, symbolizing confrontation.
noon break
A break taken at midday, usually for lunch.
noon tide
An old term referring to midday.

Related Words

morning
The period from midnight to noon.
afternoon
The period following noon until evening.
sunrise
The time when the sun rises above the horizon.

Slang Meanings

Noon is sometimes used to signify a deadline or cutoff time.
Make sure to submit your report by noon.
In some regions, 'noon' can refer informally to a casual midday gathering.
Let's have a noon meetup at the café.