1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier period
old-time songs
2
: of long standing
old-time residents

Examples of old-time in a Sentence

an old-time song that took the long-married couple back to when they were first dating
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The old-time goose hunter is described as a peculiar sort of being: weathered, weather-wise, half man, half goose, who probably dreamed of someday being listed as the maker of the Biggest Shot on record. Nash Buckingham, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025 Every old-time nostalgic favorite that reopens with a new, 21st-century look and menu draws complaints at first. Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2025 Garden supplies move briskly; there’s stuff for all ages, like in an old-time general store. Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2025 The Madison County Covered Bridge Festival takes place October 11-12, with over 140 food and arts and crafts vendors, old-time demonstrations, and a soon-to-come list of activities celebrating the film’s 30th anniversary. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for old-time

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-time was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Old-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-time. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

old-time

adjective
ˌōl(d)-ˌtīm
1
: of, relating to, or typical of an earlier period
2
: of long standing
old-time residents

More from Merriam-Webster on old-time

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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