: 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
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.
This would allow courts to distinguish between small-time hustlers and members of professional smuggling gangs. The Editors, National Review, 25 Oct. 2024 According to Pani, the company runs programs such as Empowered By GoDaddy, which helps provide training to prospective entrepreneurs on how to get up and running with becoming a small-time mogul. Steven Aquino, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 The Godfather turned Al Pacino from a small-time, hustling stage thespian to an international movie star. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 18 Oct. 2024 Still, some of the stories spread anyway, from small-time right-wing influencers all the way up to members of Congress, including Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near small-time

Cite this Entry

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-time. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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