Rush Hour
What is rush hour?
Key facts
| Definition | A part of the day during which traffic congestion and public-transport crowding are highest[1] |
|---|---|
| Peak timing | Normally twice every weekday, morning and afternoon or evening[1] |
| Common cause | People commuting to work[1] |
| Broader sense | A period when demands, especially of traffic or business, are at a peak[2] |
| Alternative term | Peak hour[1] |
Rush hour is the part of the day when traffic on roads and crowding on public transport are at their highest, usually around the times people commute to and from work [1]. It typically occurs twice every weekday, in the morning and the afternoon or evening [1].
Context
Rush hour is the daily period when traffic congestion and public-transport crowding reach their highest levels, typically occurring twice each weekday during commute times [1]. The term often refers specifically to private automobile traffic, even when congestion affects more than just cars [1]. The peak period may last more than one hour [1]. In a broader sense, rush hour describes any period when demand is at a peak, including business activity or Internet usage [2]. The exact timing varies by location and commute patterns [1]. American and British English use rush hour, while Australian and Indian English prefer peak hour [1].
Documented claims
Questions and answers
What does rush hour mean?
Rush hour means the part of the day when traffic congestion and public-transport crowding are highest, usually during commute times [1].
When does rush hour happen?
It normally happens twice every weekday, in the morning and in the afternoon or evening [1].
Is rush hour the same as peak hour?
Yes, peak hour is an alternative term for rush hour, though rush hour is more common in American and British English [1].
Sources
- RUSH HOUR Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
- rush hour — dictionary.cambridge.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)