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

After more than a decade of experiments, regulatory hurdles and technical setbacks, some of America’s biggest delivery companies are now making much bigger bets that drones are finally ready for prime time. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026

However, despite these mandates, the tools weren’t ready for practice prime time. — Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

And at lunch or dinnertime—which can be a prime time to scroll—try to make plans to eat a meal with a friend. — Nicole Karlis, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

The 20-year-old reigning PBR World Champion looked to rebound from a quick ride Friday night at prime time. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 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