small-time

1 of 2

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˈtīm 

: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : petty

small-time thieves

small-timer

ˈsmȯl-ˈtī-mər 

noun

small-timer

2 of 2

noun

small-tim·​er

"+ə(r)

: one that is small-time or belongs to a small-time group

Examples of small-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

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

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

Word History

Etymology

Noun

small time + -er

First Known Use

Adjective

1915, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for small-time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime