real time
noun
: the actual time during which something takes place
the computer may partly analyze the data in real time (as it comes in)—
R. H. March
R. H. Marchchatted online in real time
real-time
adjective
Examples of real time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Greater collaboration between governments and startups, faster satellite deployment and open data sharing—similar to how NASA’s Earth observation tools helped track wildfires and droughts in real time.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Each participant puts on headphones and listens to a minimalist composition being created in real time by the tech entrepreneur and theoretical-physics nerd Murray Hidary.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Grace Van Patten doesn’t remember exactly how the trials of Amanda Knox unfolded in real time.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Researchers are designing systems that can sense and interpret context in real time, tracking metrics like attention, tone, and engagement.
—Marc Fernandez, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for real time
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Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025
Each participant puts on headphones and listens to a minimalist composition being created in real time by the tech entrepreneur and theoretical-physics nerd Murray Hidary.
—Helen Shaw, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Grace Van Patten doesn’t remember exactly how the trials of Amanda Knox unfolded in real time.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2025
Researchers are designing systems that can sense and interpret context in real time, tracking metrics like attention, tone, and engagement.
—Marc Fernandez, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for real time
Cite this Entry
“Real time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/real%20time. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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