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

ˈprīm-ˌtīm 

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

Tips for Finding the Right Travel Wrap Summer is typically prime time for the lightest pashmina, preferably in a neutral-toned camel that can work with a variety of styles and color families. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 16 July 2026

After midnight may be becoming the new prime time for online shopping, especially for Gen Zers, who impulsively overspend during those hours more than any other age groups, a new survey showed. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

Winter is naturally prime time to enjoy skiing at places such as SilverStar and Big White ski resorts. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026

Facts + Comments Fox News ended the second quarter as the king of prime time news, beating not only every cable TV network, but also outperforming CBS and NBC. — Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prime time

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• overtime

Kids Definition

prime time

noun

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