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
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.
Sidelining women’s tennis in prime time isn’t just outdated. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 These debates should be held live on major Boston television stations or CNN or even Fox News, in prime time. Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 29 May 2025 Come prime time, team schedule announcement videos crafted over the course of months will likely grab even more spotlight. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 14 May 2025 And the further fragmentation of the media landscape doesn’t mean that prime time has suddenly turned into worthless real estate. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 9 May 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

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
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