Noon

Definition

Noon is the time of day when the sun is highest in the sky, especially in cultures using a 12-hour clock, specifically 12 o'clock in the daytime.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nuːn/
• Respelling: NOON (with "NOON" as in "moon")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /nuːn/
• Respelling: NOON (similar to American English, with "NOON" as in "moon")

In both dialects, "noon" is pronounced with a single, stressed syllable. The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of the long "oo" sound in "NOON."

Etymology

The word "noon" is derived from Old English "nōn", which originally referred to the ninth hour of the day, counting inclusively, hence "midday, 3 p.m.". It was adopted from Latin "nona hora", ninth hour.

Derivatives

• Noonday
• Noontide
• Noontime
• Noonward
• Post-noon

Synonyms

• Midday
• Noontide
• Noontime

Antonyms

• Midnight
• Dawn
• Dusk

Usage

"Noon" specifically refers to 12:00 PM in the 12-hour clock and is associated with the middle of the day.

• The meeting is scheduled for noon tomorrow.
• The sun was blazing at its zenith during noon.
• We often have lunch at noon.

Related Terms

• Morning
• Afternoon
• Sun zenith
• High noon
• Meridian

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Midday Time: The time of day when the sun is highest in the sky, specifically 12 o'clock in the daytime.‍
• Example: I always take a short walk around noon to clear my mind.

• Highest or Peak Point: The highest or most developed point or state.‍
• Example: She was in the noon of her career, with accomplishments that many envied.

Adjective

• Pertaining to Noon: Relating to or occurring at midday.‍
• Example: The noon sun was particularly harsh today, urging everyone to seek shade.‍