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

Congress passed this requirement knowing that the technology to cut emissions wasn’t ready for prime time. —Ann E. Carlson, The Conversation, 31 Mar. 2026

The league wants us on prime time. —Logan Brown, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

Spring is usually prime time for house hunting, but economic uncertainty is keeping many prospective homebuyers on the sidelines. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

The prime time game between the two-time defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks will be Jason Benetti’s debut as the network’s lead baseball announcer. —Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 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