p.m. (post meridiem)

Definition:

The abbreviation p.m. stands for post meridiem, a Latin phrase meaning “after midday.” It is used to show times between noon (12:00 p.m.) and just before midnight (11:59 p.m.) on a 12-hour clock.

Example:

• 3:00 p.m. means three o’clock in the afternoon.
• Bedtime might be at 9:00 p.m.

Tip:

Think of p.m. as “past midday” to help remember that it covers the afternoon and evening hours.