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

ˈprīm-ˌtīm 

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

Carter is undeniably an X-factor responsible for the Giants’ consistent winning entering Thursday night’s prime time game against the Washington Commanders. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

According to Nielsen, more than 30 million people tuned in for prime time coverage of the midterms across about a dozen channels. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2026

Aerate and Overseed Fall is known as prime time to apply grass seed to a lawn, also known as overseeding. — Heather Bien, The Spruce, 4 Nov. 2026

Fox News, which often draws more viewers in prime time than some broadcast networks, saw its October audience levels drop 28% compared to a year ago, according to Nielsen. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prime time

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• overtime

Kids Definition

prime time

noun

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