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

Sayo, a nightlife photographer and small-time drug dealer working the city’s sweaty underground club scene, is invited upstate by his long-time crush, Vince. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Sep. 2026

The drama, based on the true story of Jacksonville small-time criminal Bryan Bruton, stars Theo Rossi. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

No actress this century has been able to match Hathaway's slinky, shifty take on small-time thief Selina Kyle, aka Catwoman. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2026

As a young man, Brun was pulled deep into this scene, becoming a small-time dealer and user. — Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 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