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

The Philadelphia Eagles are preparing for a massive NFC showdown against the Detroit Lions in a matchup of Super Bowl contenders in prime time. —Andrew McCarty, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Walmart’s Early Black Friday deals are live for the next two days, which means this is prime time for the random but necessary upgrades that make life easier. —PC Magazine, 14 Nov. 2025

Spring, summer, and fall are the best months for birding and sky-watching; these are also prime times to spot the core of the Milky Way. —Stephanie Vermillion, Outside, 12 Nov. 2025

Past-Their-Prime Linens, Makeup Sponges, and Loofahs Textiles are prime time for mold and bacteria growth. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2025

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