airtime

noun

air·​time ˈer-ˌtīm 

1

: the time or any part of the time when a radio or television station is on the air

2

: the time at which a radio or television broadcast is scheduled to begin

Examples of airtime in a Sentence

The committee plans to buy radio airtime for the campaign ads.

Recent Examples on the Web

Host Jimmy Kimmel cited concerns over Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules regarding equal airtime for political candidates. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

There will be at least 12 moments, Six Flags promises, in which riders will experience airtime lifts. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026

The equal time rule requires broadcasters that feature political candidates offer comparable airtime to rivals — if it is requested. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, Tannebaum and analysts Jimbo Fisher, Eric Mac Lain and Eddie Royal were being fed airtime by the handful — six minutes, then eight, then whatever came next — filling each stretch until someone in production told them to move. — Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for airtime

• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime
• noontime