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.
Spring is typically prime time for the housing market, but this year’s season is off to a rough start. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026 Not ready for prime time Amazon’s Prime Video losing its feed in overtime of the Charlotte Hornets-Miami Heat play-in game was unacceptable for a streaming network that deems itself big time. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Apr. 2026 In spring, this elusive glow is best seen after dusk, making April one of the prime times to catch it. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 But, in my opinion, there is still a prime time when the Alabama rig is most effective. Derek Horner, Outdoor Life, 16 Apr. 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 25 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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