pass the time
idiom
: to let time or a period of time go by especially while doing something enjoyable
We played games to pass the time on the bus.
Examples of pass the time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
His second book tells the story of Dan and Tamma, two high school seniors who pass the time by climbing boulders in the southern Mojave Desert.
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Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Sewing projects can help pass the time in the airport, but make sure your scissors can board the plane.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Pollack now sees the video game as more than entertainment or a fun way to pass the time.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Between races, music and seasonal bites, there will be plenty of ways to pass the time until midnight approaches.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass the time
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Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 16 Jan. 2026
Sewing projects can help pass the time in the airport, but make sure your scissors can board the plane.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Pollack now sees the video game as more than entertainment or a fun way to pass the time.
—Jason Jones, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
Between races, music and seasonal bites, there will be plenty of ways to pass the time until midnight approaches.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 28 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass the time
Cite this Entry
“Pass the time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass%20the%20time. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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