small hours

== English == === Etymology === From the small number used to identify such hours (e.g. 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock). === Noun === small hours pl (plural only) The very early morning, just after midnight, when most people are asleep. ==== Usage notes ==== Almost always used with the definite article (the small hours), or occasionally with a demonstrative adjective (these small hours, those small hours). ==== Synonyms ==== (very early morning): wee hours, wee small hours, ungodly hours; see also Thesaurus:early morning postmidnight ==== Translations ====