hourglass
/ˈaʊəɡlɑːs/
B1 · Intermediate★★☆☆☆
Simple Meaning
a glass container with sand inside that takes one hour to fall from the top to the bottom.
When to Use
💬Daily Conversation📚Academic Writing
Intermediate — can handle common situations
Examples in Conversation
“The teacher used an hourglass to time our test.”
“An hourglass is a nice decoration, but nobody uses it to tell time anymore.”
Learning Path
▶Full Definition
A clock made of two glass vessels connected by a narrow passage through which sand flows.
“After each game turn, invert the hourglass to reset the time limit for the next player.”
Related Words
Synonyms:
timersandglass
Word Family:
hourglasseshourglass-shaped