Pronunciation: [nˈuːn ˈa͡ʊ͡ə] (IPA) 
The spelling of "noon hour" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "noon," is pronounced /nuːn/, with a long "oo" sound followed by an "n." The second syllable, "hour," is pronounced /aʊər/, with the diphthong "au" sound followed by an "r." Together, the word is pronounced /nuːn aʊər/. It refers to the time of day around midday, typically 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
The term "noon hour" refers to a specific time of the day when the clock strikes 12:00 PM, or precisely midway between morning and afternoon. It is a period of time lasting approximately 60 minutes when it is believed to be the peak of the day, both in terms of the sun's position and human activity.
Commonly referred to as "noon" or "midday," the noon hour is the time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, directly overhead or very close to it. This period can slightly vary depending on geographical location and seasonal changes. In many cultures, it holds great importance as it divides the day into equal halves, marking the transition from the morning to the afternoon.
The noon hour often serves as a designated break time in many work environments and educational settings, allowing individuals to recharge, consume their midday meal, or engage in recreational activities. It acts as a significant checkpoint during the day, helping people structure their schedules and synchronize their activities with others.
Historically, the noon hour has also been important for timekeeping purposes, as the sun's position at this time served as a reference point for setting clocks and ensuring accuracy. In the Age of Sail, when determining longitude was crucial for navigation, sailors used special tools called sextants to measure the angle between the sun and the horizon at local noon, assisting in calculating their ship's position.
Overall, the noon hour symbolizes a distinct moment within the daily rhythm, representing a midpoint that separates the morning from the afternoon, and often holds specific cultural, practical, or historical significance.
The word "noon" originated from the Old English word "non" or "nonne", which was used to refer to the ninth hour of daylight. In medieval times, the day was divided into twelve equal parts, so the ninth hour fell roughly at midday. Over time, "non" transformed into "noon". The word "hour" comes from the Old French word "hore", which ultimately traces back to the Latin word "hora", meaning "hour" or "time". Therefore, the term "noon hour" is a combination of "noon" and "hour", referring to the time around midday.
