prime time

noun

1
: the time period when the television or radio audience is the largest
also : television shows shown in prime time
2
: the choicest or busiest time
3
: big time sense 2
a pitcher not yet ready for prime time
prime-time adjective

Examples of prime time in a Sentence

The program is being shown during prime time. He's the best actor in prime time.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
What women in menopause should know about urticaria Because women are twice as likely to develop urticaria, and women over 30 are more susceptible to the condition, menopause is a prime time for the chronic condition to appear. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2024 Radiocarbon dating and coins suggest the site was occupied from the late sixth to the early 11th centuries, prime time for the Silk Road. Byandrew Lawler, science.org, 23 Oct. 2024 Home teams are 10-10 when playing in prime time, 10-9-1 against the number. Jack Magruder, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 Andrew Greif For the Giants, prime time has equaled a problem. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prime time 

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime time was in 1947

Dictionary Entries Near prime time

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prime time

noun
: the time in the evening when television has its largest number of viewers

More from Merriam-Webster on prime time

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!