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.
But here’s guessing the NFL moves the game to prime time in the hopes of getting an even bigger number of viewers. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026 Fox will air a third Christmas game in prime time. Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 7 May 2026 Always a Runner won the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday night, the first time the race for top 3-year-old fillies has been run under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026 In the United Kingdom and Australia, public affairs broadcasting is traditionally aired at prime time on public broadcasters to draw the largest possible audience. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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