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
ˈprīm-ˌtīm How to pronounce prime time (audio)
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.
With more than 300 days of sunshine and average temperatures ranging from 60 degrees in the cooler months to 85 degrees in the height of summer, any season is a prime time to go. — Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026 September is prime time for traditional festivals in the Kansas City area, including the three biggies on Labor Day weekend. — Dan Kelly, Kansas City Star, 2 Sep. 2026 Tom Hart, who had called SEC Network prime time games, replaces Mark Jones alongside Roddy Jones. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 In fact, Travel Alaska says prime time to see the phenomena in The Last Frontier is between late-August and late-April, when less daylight leads to darker night skies. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for prime time

See All Rhymes for prime time

Browse Nearby Words

prime the pump
prime time
prime tone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prime time

noun
: the time in the evening when television has its largest number of viewers
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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