small-time

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˈtīm 

: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : petty

small-time thieves

small-timer

ˈsmȯl-ˈtī-mər 

noun

Examples of small-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

DraftKings noted that the unders on Jontay’s stats were the most profitable bet of the whole night, a surprise for such a small-time player. — New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2026

Released in 1976, Rocky follows Rocky Balboa, a small-time Philadelphia boxer who gets an unlikely shot at heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. — Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2026

In a key role, Gathegi will play a small-time crook with big time ambitions who is in over his head, according to sources. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

Shades of Paradise follows four small-time criminals who are thrown into an odyssey of violence and betrayal following a jewel-heist. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for small-time

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