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.
But the offense was magnificent with him as the signal-caller, and his game-winning, as-the-buzzer-sounded 5-yard touchdown run in prime time pretty much cemented his spot on an active roster somewhere. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 Highly qualified, incredibly competent, ready for prime time. — NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026 After more than a decade of experiments, regulatory hurdles and technical setbacks, some of America’s biggest delivery companies are now making much bigger bets that drones are finally ready for prime time. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2026 However, despite these mandates, the tools weren’t ready for practice prime time. — Forbes.com, 21 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 1 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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