four-o'clock

noun

ˈfȯr-ə-ˌkläk 

: any of a genus (Mirabilis) of chiefly American annual or perennial herbs (family Nyctaginaceae, the four-o'clock family) having apetalous flowers with a showy involucre simulating a calyx

especially : a garden plant (M. jalapa) with fragrant yellow, red, or white flowers opening late in the afternoon

Examples of four-o'clock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Annuals—like kochia, four-o'clock, strawflower, impatiens, moonflower, and angel's-trumpet—and perennials—like peony, bee balm, and hosta—can substitute for shrubs the first year or two. —Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

four-o'clock

noun

ˈfōr-ə-ˌkläk,

ˈfȯr-

: an American garden plant with fragrant yellow, red, or white flowers that open late in the afternoon