prime time

noun

1
: the time period when the television or radio audience is the largest
also : television shows shown in prime time
2
: the choicest or busiest time
3
: big time sense 2
a pitcher not yet ready for prime time
prime-time adjective

Examples of prime time in a Sentence

The program is being shown during prime time. He's the best actor in prime time.
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.
After Week 5’s matchup against the Bengals, the Lions face five consecutive postseason teams from last season — with three of those matchups coming in prime time. Scott Phillips, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025 Perhaps the comedic-political precedent closest to the Kimmel affair is the extended showdown between artist and network caused by The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (CBS, 1968-70), at the time the sole counter-cultural redoubt in prime time. Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025 The obvious test of whether Weaver’s passionate plea will come during Monday’s prime time matchup against a divisional foe in the New York Jets. Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025 Strengthen the lawn September is prime time to reseed bare spots, treat grub damage, aerate, and fertilize. Brendel Clark, Freep.com, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prime time

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime time was in 1947

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Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prime time

noun
: the time in the evening when television has its largest number of viewers

More from Merriam-Webster on prime time

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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