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

Read on for some of our favorite Caribbean cruises to book this winter, prime time for sailing through the region’s warm waters. — Scott Laird, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026

For many young girls, back-to-school season is a prime time to test out new hairdos and styles for the upcoming year. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Between tropical cruises, beach vacations, and weekends by the water, summer is prime time for sandals that can handle a little splash. — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026

Summer aligns with the sweet, juicy fruit’s prime time, and bourbon’s maple-nutty profile makes the perfect complement to it. — Jillian Dara, Forbes.com, 29 July 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