: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hanson parlayed his small-time criminality into a risky alliance with a powerful Mexican drug lord, intertwining his quest for wealth with the deadly world of organized crime. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025 The succor of small-time hubris is what good bake-offs are about—bakers driven only by that elegant, unimpeachable motive, to be the best. Ruby Tandoh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025 The family's lack of money became one of the biggest factors that drove the brothers to begin their journey as small-time drug dealers. Kayla Grant, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025 This will be especially useful for sports fans of small-time and less successful teams. Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small-time

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-time. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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