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

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

Bakley was 23 years younger than Blake, a small-time hustler who sold dirty photos of herself to old men and ran a lonely hearts scam. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Magdalen, living with her mother’s relative, Captain Horatio Wragge, a small-time crook, becomes a successful actress. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Once a small-time robber, Pepper is now crumbling from advanced age and damage inflicted by many malefactors, including Pepper himself. — David Hajdu, The Atlantic, 16 July 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