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school hours
/skuːl ˈaʊərz/
time spent at school
The library is open during school hours.
The library is available when students are normally at school.
neutral
The period of time each day when students attend school.
Teachers must stay after school hours to grade papers.
Teachers work beyond the regular school schedule.
The school's policy states that students cannot stay on campus outside school hours.
Students must leave the premises when classes end.
Often used in educational contexts to describe the standard operating hours of a school.
Collocations
during school hourswhile school is in sessionoutside school hoursafter or before the school day endsextended school hoursa longer-than-usual school day or schedule
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'school days'
While 'school hours' refers to the daily time spent at school, 'school days' refers to the days of the week when school is in session (e.g., Monday to Friday).
Gold Rule
Use 'school hours' for time, 'school days' for days
Reserve 'school hours' for discussing time periods (e.g., 'The office is closed during school hours') and 'school days' for discussing days (e.g., 'School days are Monday through Friday').
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'school' (from Old English 'sċōl', meaning 'group of scholars') and 'hours' (from Old English 'tīma', meaning 'time'). The modern usage emerged in the 19th century as formal education became standardized.
Usage Notes
The term is commonly used in educational systems worldwide, though the exact duration of 'school hours' varies by country and institution. It typically excludes weekends, holidays, and breaks.
Word Breakdown
school
an institution for educating children
roothours
fixed periods of time
rootEnglish Dictionary