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.
Protecting prime time frees you from the relentless cycles of meetings, busy work, and perpetual reactions. Dan Pontefract, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 The Bronx Bombers still used the facility for spring training though, so MLB provided the Rays with a little extra time to get their new home ready for prime time. Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025 San Jose, California; Seattle; and San Diego also saw price premiums in March, while late fall was prime time to sell in Tampa Bay and Phoenix. Sami Sparber, Axios, 28 Mar. 2025 The switch-hitter from the Dominican Republic becomes Rule 5 eligible after this season, so now is prime time for the Tigers to move him. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025 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 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

More from Merriam-Webster on prime time

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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