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 : occasion
3 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 sentence
6 : season <very hot for this time of year>
7 a : rate of speed : tempo b : the grouping of the beats of music : rhythm
8 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 time
9 a : one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions <you've been told many times> b plural (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 duration
11 : 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 1
14 : 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 early
2 : eventually
3 : in correct tempo <learn to play in time>

— on time 1 a : at the appointed time b : on schedule
2 : on the installment plan

— time and again : frequently, repeatedly