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.
Trump may have missed an opportunity to speak to voters' concerns, especially since presidents don't get that many opportunities to speak to the nation in prime time. Domenico Montanaro, NPR, 25 Feb. 2026 Instead of waiting until prime time to showcase key sports, those events were shown live via streaming along with NBC’s network and cable channels. Joe Reedy, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026 More News Women’s sports taking over prime time? Emily Olsen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026 The vineyard’s prime time is from about the Fourth of July and up to freeze up. Michael Johnson, Twin Cities, 23 Feb. 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 2 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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