Pronunciation: [nˈuːn] (IPA) 
The word "noon" is spelled with two o's, even though it is pronounced with only one syllable. The IPA transcription for the word is /nuːn/. The long vowel sound (/uː/) is used to indicate that the o is pronounced for a longer duration than a short vowel, like in the word "not". The spelling of "noon" can be traced back to Middle English, where it was spelled "none", and its current spelling has been in use since the early modern period.
Noon is a noun that refers to the exact middle of the day, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is the time of day that is precisely halfway between sunrise and sunset, typically occurring at 12 o'clock in the afternoon. This is the point in time when the sun is directly above the observer's meridian, creating a moment of maximum brightness and warmth.
The term "noon" is derived from the Latin word "nona hora," meaning the ninth hour of daylight. In ancient Roman society, the start of the day was at sunrise, making the ninth hour approximately around 3 p.m. However, as timekeeping methods evolved, noon gradually shifted to be associated with the midday hour.
Noon is often considered a significant time of day as it marks the pinnacle of daylight and symbolizes a transition between morning and afternoon. Historically, it also held practical importance, serving as a reference point for regulating work hours and organizing activities. In religious contexts, noon may be a time for prayer or reflection and is sometimes associated with specific rituals or practices.
The concept of noon is not only used to indicate a specific time but also embodies a deeper meaning of balance and harmony. It signifies a harmonious union of light and darkness, a moment of equilibrium between the beginning and end of the day.
• Mid-day; 12 o'clock; middle; height.
• Happening at noon; meridional.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word noon comes from the Old English word non or þonne, which was used to refer to the ninth hour of daylight (approximately 3 p.m.) in the medieval monastic tradition. It is believed that non originated from the Latin word nona, meaning the same. Over time, the meaning of non expanded to refer to the midday or 12 o'clock hour, and eventually, it became noon.
