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

chatted online in real time

real-time

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈtīm 

adjective

Examples of real time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its pilots fly with SkyBreathe software that adjusts routes and flight profiles in real time to burn less fuel, and the airline flew one A350 delivery leg from Singapore on a 40 percent blend of sustainable aviation fuel. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

When a processor requests data, the chip instantly converts CXL memory requests into DDR5 commands, retrieves the required information, and sends it back in real time. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 1 Aug. 2026

Using fluorescent imaging to watch neurons fire in real time, Ruta and her colleagues pinpointed neurons that acted as the fly’s compass. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

From cancer to the death of spouses to mental health challenges, the hosts have experienced a large share of intense struggles over the years – sharing and processing these hardships with millions of viewers, sometimes in real time. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for real time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime