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.
Always a Runner won the 152nd edition of the Kentucky Oaks on Friday night, the first time the race for top 3-year-old fillies has been run under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs. Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026 Outside state lines, the perception of The Big D aligns with the eponymous prime time soap opera saga, often mistaking the Stockyards as within city limits (much to neighboring Fort Worth’s dismay). Nathanael Gassett, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026 November And December Another prime time of year to head to the thrift store is right before the lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, Deilus says. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026 The interviews, edited into 49-minute episodes, aired in prime time in the spring of 1977. Lorna Veraldi, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

prime time

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

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