prime time

noun

1
: the time period when the television or radio audience is the largest
also : television shows shown in prime time
2
: the choicest or busiest time
3
: big time sense 2
a pitcher not yet ready for prime time
prime-time adjective

Examples of prime time in a Sentence

The program is being shown during prime time. He's the best actor in prime time.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Rio Linda High, Sacramento State and Arizona State product has had a quick start to the 2025 season — exploding for three touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday in prime time. Mark Billingsley, Sacbee.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Jersey Boys Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart didn’t sleep much, if at all, after beating the Eagles in prime time. Dianna Russini, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 Now is the prime time to pick up these beauty deals before prices shoot back up. Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 6 Oct. 2025 Winter is prime time for snuggling up in bed, and the blur of frosty, lazy days in between Christmas and New Years are prime time for bed rotting. Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prime time

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime time was in 1947

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prime time

noun
: the time in the evening when television has its largest number of viewers

More from Merriam-Webster on prime time

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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