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.
Six days after an embarrassing 20-9 loss in prime time against the San Francisco 49ers, Dave Canales and his crew put together a stunning performance against the top team in the conference on their home turf. Charlotte Observer, 30 Nov. 2025 This will be the prime time of the storm. Matthew Villafane, CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025 Burrow also had qualms about playing the Ravens for the fourth straight year in prime time on the road. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Cincinnati could also be in the playoff hunt around that time as well, making the Week 16, prime time matchup a must-watch. Miami Herald, 22 Nov. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 11 Dec. 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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