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

Driverless ride-hailing will be part of how people move around, and the question that matters over the next several years isn't whether Tesla's first two-seater was ready for prime time on day one. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 23 Sep. 2026

This is the first of a record five Green Bay home games in prime time this season. — Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

Unfortunately, networks cannot flex games out of prime time this early in the season. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Because the Chiefs draw massive television numbers for broadcasters, the NFL put their first two games of the season on prime time. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 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