crunch time

noun

: a critical moment or period (as near the end of a game) when decisive action is needed

Examples of crunch time in a Sentence

The team had trained well, but at crunch time they just couldn't perform. with only three minutes left in the game, it was definitely crunch time
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.
Ironically, there was another offensive rebound that swung the game against the Huskies in crunch time. Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Nov. 2024 Barrett showed some excellent composure in crunch time. Eric Koreen, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024 Burrow lost in prime time to the Chargers after failing to come through in crunch time, dropping the Bengals to 4-7. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 19 Nov. 2024 Funding cliff This is not the first time the SSA has faced an insolvency predicament, with the early 1980s being another crunch time for the government agency. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for crunch time 

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crunch time was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near crunch time

Cite this Entry

“Crunch time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crunch%20time. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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