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

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

For years, small-time investors could gain the same kind of favorable financing available to buyers who planned to live in their homes. — Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

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

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