hourglass

[ouuhr-glas, -glahs, ou-er-] / ˈaʊərˌglæs, -ˌglɑs, ˈaʊ ər- /

NOUN

chronometer

Synonyms

STRONG

clock metronome timepiece timer

NOUN

clock

Synonyms

STRONGEST

timer

STRONG

alarm chronograph chronometer metronome pendulum stopwatch sundial ticker timekeeper timepiece watch

WEAK

Big Ben chroniker digital watch tick-tock timemarker

NOUN

timepiece

Synonyms

STRONG

calendar chronograph chronometer chronoscope clepsydra clock dial gnomon horologe metronome pendulum repeater stopwatch sundial watch

WEAK

alarm clock isochronon time-keeper

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the screams of our lives.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

"The hourglass is slowly running out, and time is being wasted," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

The hourglass silhouette – the cinched in waist and fuller skirt – felt pointed and intentional.

From BBC • Jan. 20, 2025

Both have hourglass markings, but the black widow’s is bright red, while the brown widow’s is orange.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2024

The Beauty Minister checks her tiny pocket hourglass.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton