Main Entry:

¹time

Pronunciation:

\ˈtīm\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English tīma; akin to Old Norse tīmi time, Old English tīd — more at tide

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : duration b: a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future c: leisure <time for reading>2: the point or period when something occurs : occasion3 a: an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end <arrived ahead of time> b: an opportune or suitable moment <decided it was time to retire> —often used in the phrase about time<about time for a change>4 a: a historical period : age b: a division of geologic chronology c: conditions at present or at some specified period —usually used in plural <times are hard><move with the times> d: the present time <issues of the time>5 a: lifetime b: a period of apprenticeship c: a term of military service d: a prison sentence6: season <very hot for this time of year>7 a: rate of speed : tempo b: the grouping of the beats of music : rhythm8 a: a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar <what time is it> b: any of various systems (as sidereal or solar) of reckoning time9 a: one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions <you've been told many times> bplural (1): added or accumulated quantities or instances <five times greater> (2): equal fractional parts of which an indicated number equal a comparatively greater quantity <seven times smaller> <three times closer> c: turn <three times at bat>10: finite as contrasted with infinite duration11: a person's experience during a specified period or on a particular occasion <a good time> <a hard time>12 a: the hours or days required to be occupied by one's work <make up time> <on company time> b: an hourly pay rate <straight time> c: wages paid at discharge or resignation <pick up your time and get out>13 a: the playing time of a game b: time-out 114: a period during which something is used or available for use <computer time>

— at the same time

: nevertheless, yet <slick and at the same time strangely unprofessional — Gerald Weaks>

— at times

: at intervals : occasionally

— for the time being

: for the present

— from time to time

: once in a while : occasionally

— in no time

: very quickly or soon

— in time

1: sufficiently early2: eventually3: in correct tempo <learn to play in time>

— on time

1 a: at the appointed time b: on schedule2: on the installment plan

— time and again

: frequently, repeatedly