: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : petty
small-time thieves
small-timer noun

Examples of small-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Munger lived more like a wealthy dentist, or a small-time media mogul whose movies had gone straight to cable, not someone who was worth more than the GDP of Monaco. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 8 July 2024 He was born in Donelson, a Nashville suburb, and spent his youth running afoul of the law, racking up half a dozen arrests for small-time crimes. Sam Kestenbaum, Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024 Refn’s directorial debut, tells the gritty tale of a small-time drug dealer in Copenhagen’s criminal underworld. Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 July 2024 Its market cap, which has slipped below $5 billion, rests almost entirely on the Trump brand and his loyal following, including small-time investors who’ve shown their support for him by propping up the stock. Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, 20 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for small-time 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'small-time.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small-time was in 1915

Dictionary Entries Near small-time

Cite this Entry

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-time. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on small-time

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