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.
Understanding the Southern Timing Sweet Spot Across much of the South, from coastal Texas to Georgia and the Carolinas, late winter to early spring (typically February through early April) is considered prime time for laying fresh pine straw. Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026 Avoid tax scams Tax season is prime time for tax scams, O’Saben said. Adriana Morga, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026 Williams, who had 10 points and two steals, was ready for prime time. Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 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 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 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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