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.
The podcast will have fresh material that could occasionally turn up on Hannity’s prime time Fox News program. Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026 Tax season is prime time for tax scams, O’Saben said. Adriana Morga, Chicago Tribune, 15 Feb. 2026 Taking a look online at some of the more popular spots for Valentine's Day, a lot of them are either booked full or the prime time spots are gone. Jessica Riley, CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026 Aggressive as… Well, aggressive enough for Thornton to go off for five catches, 71 yards and a touchdown in Kansas City’s 22-9 prime time win over the Giants in Week 3 of last season at MetLife Stadium. Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 10 Feb. 2026 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 23 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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