take time

idiom

1
: to need or require time to happen or be done
You have to be patient. Things like this take time.
It may take some time for the medication to wear off.
The meeting won't take too much time.
This job is easy and will take no time at all.
2
or take the time : to use an amount of time in order to do something important
They never took the time to get to know her.
I took some time to think about it, and my answer is still "no."

Examples of take 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.
That means parents and caregivers have to take time off work, and that impacts them economically. Suzette Brewer, Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2025 Some people may take time off of work or a vacation to mark the occasion. Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2025 On the hardest days, when the new mother was overwhelmed, the couple would often come downstairs, gently take the baby, and encourage Norman to rest, shower or simply take time for herself. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2025 Smile Hair Clinic provides guidance to its patients during this period, noting that recovery and visible changes take time. Wyles Daniel, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for take time

Cite this Entry

“Take time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20time. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

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