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Definition of prime time
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
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Other Words from prime time
prime-time \ ˈprīm-ˌtīm 
\ adjective
\ adjectiveExamples 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 Don Lemon steps up The Louisiana native, who joined CNN in 2006 and is the only Black cable news anchor in prime time, is clearly energized by having a role in shaping the current national discourse on race relations.
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Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, "CNN Center is for sale, but employees will remain in Atlanta," 29 June 2020 Of the 34 dramas that aired at prime time on the four big broadcast networks last autumn, 21 revolved around crime.
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The Economist, "Watching the detectives Television has distorted Americans’ view of policing," 27 June 2020 This will be a schedule built for primetime TV, with the highest percentage of games during local markets’ prime time in baseball history considering the regional schedule and precious few day games.
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Bob Nightengale, USA TODAY, "60 games in 66 days: How MLB's shortened 2020 schedule came together," 25 June 2020 The prime time for storms will be through the evening hours.
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Leigh Morgan, al, "A few strong storms possible again this afternoon in Alabama," 23 June 2020 Reporters at ABC News have already read the book, since Martha Raddatz sat down with Bolton on Monday for an interview that will air Sunday night in a prime time special.
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Brian Stelter, CNN, "Former Trump adviser John Bolton's impending book elicits angry reaction from President Trump," 16 June 2020 Don Lemon steps up The Louisiana native, who joined CNN in 2006 and is the only Black cable news anchor in prime time, is clearly energized by having a role in shaping the current national discourse on race relations.
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Los Angeles Times, "Review: Dave Chappelle’s new special isn’t stand-up. It’s an anguished history of violence," 12 June 2020 The event went prime time in 2009 on the new MLB Network and has remained there since.
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Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, "What time, TV channel is MLB draft 2020? First-round draft order, watch online," 10 June 2020 Revolt TV is bringing Black community news to prime time.
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Tanya A. Christian, Essence, "A Black News Show Is Coming To Prime Time," 9 June 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prime time.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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Time Traveler for prime time
The first known use of prime time was in 1947
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