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

The user approves the items as the shopper finds them in real time or requests alternatives. — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Doug Griffith, the supervisor for Eversource's new deployment of the meters, said the installation will give customers real time access to their own energy usage. — Payton May, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

This allows the virtual representation to reflect the physical asset’s operating conditions, sometimes in near real time. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026

Sportsbooks track bets in real time and use algorithms to spot suspicious activity. — New Yorker, 8 Nov. 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