What Does The ‘O’ In “O’clock” Stand For? Here’s The Answer

Some phrases are so deeply ingrained in our everyday language that we rarely pause to consider where they came from or what they truly mean. One such phrase is the ‘O’ in “O’clock”. Seldom has anyone wondered why we say “o’clock” when telling the time. However, there’s an interesting story behind the “O” in “O’clock.”

What does the ‘O’ in “O’clock” mean?

Many of you may wonder that the ‘O’ in “O’clock” perhaps means something big and very significant. However, you will be amused to find that it is actually a shortened form of the word “of.”

The term “O’clock” that we regularly use in our day-to-day life is used to express time. The trend of having an abbreviation for a longer word is not a new one. Centuries ago, the term “o’clock” was made a contraction of the longer phrase,

“Of the clock”

So, when we say “It’s 12 O’clock,” what we try to essentially imply is that as per the clock’s reading “it’s 5 of the clock.” To say that this abbreviation was developed to make communication quicker and easier would be a sheer understatement. This was done especially keeping in mind the everyday conversations where the phrase is heavily used and also where brevity is valued.

The historical origin of “O’clock”

Now, the obvious question that comes to mind is when did the phrase “of the clock” began to appear in the English language. Well, it was around the 14th and 15th centuries with the invention and popularisation of mechanical clocks.

Before the invention of mechanical clocks, there were traditional methods and natural indicators to tell time. Such as using the position of the sun. By the time the mechanical clocks were popularised, especially in public places like churches and town squares, the need to refer to the time “of the clock” to differentiate it from older methods arose.

The 15th century was a time when literacy was not widespread, and oral traditions were the primary means of passing information. Thus, an abbreviation was made for the phrase “of the clock” which was “O’clock” and was brought into common usage. This contraction made communication more easy.

Soon after, the phrase was quickly adopted by everyone even after attaining education and the abbreviation “O’clock” eventually became the standard way to express time in English.

About the first mechanical clock in the world

Many believe that the first mechanical clock in the world was invented around the late 13th century to early 14th century. To pinpoint and exactly name a single clockmaker is a bit difficult as there is no record of it. Various clockmakers in Europe are said to be the ones who created the earliest mechanical clocks.

An English monk named Richard of Wallingford is one such figure who is known and helmed highly for creating one of the earliest known and most complex mechanical clocks around 1326.  Another notable figure is an Italian physician and clockmaker named Giovanni de Dondi, who built the “Astrarium,” a complex astronomical clock, around 1364.

To give certainty is difficult. Nonetheless, these figures are revered for their contribution.

What are your thoughts on the ‘O’ in “O’clock”? Do share your thoughts via the comments below.

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