hourly

1 of 2

adverb

hour·​ly ˈau̇(-ə)r-lē 

: at or during every hour

also : frequently, continually

hourly

2 of 2

adjective

1

a

: occurring hour by hour

hourly bus service

b

: frequent, continual

in hourly expectation of the rain's stopping

2

: computed in terms of an hour

an hourly wage

3

: paid by the hour

hourly workers

Synonyms

Adverb

• again and again
• constantly
• continually
• frequently
• much
• oft
• often
• oftentimes
• ofttimes
• over and over
• repeatedly

Examples of hourly in a Sentence

Adverb

she checks her phone for messages hourly

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Outbursts, however, have occasionally occurred, pushing that average rate from 25 to 100 shooting stars hourly. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2025

If the plaintiff has been paying fees hourly over several years, the tax issues are thorny. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025

Adjective

The rationale was to ensure that lawyers are not disincentivized to work on a client’s case because a flat fee, rather than an hourly one, might not adequately compensate them for their time. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 29 Mar. 2025

There will also be an auction geared to children who collect coins and hourly door prizes awarded. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for hourly

• sourly

Kids Definition

hourly

adjective

hour·​ly

ˈau̇(ə)r-lē

1

: occurring every hour

hourly bus service

2

: figured in terms of one hour

hourly wages

hourly adverb