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.
Mind your brackets, gains and losses The fall season is prime time for tax loss harvesting, meaning that investors prune some of the worst underperformers in their taxable accounts to realize capital losses and offset capital gains. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2024 While the first two weekends in November are usually prime time for movie releases ahead of the holidays, this year some studios are avoiding them so new titles don't get lost amidst election noise. Anna Spiegel, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 The coming year is prime time for a cruise vacation, and there have never been more options for travelers looking to spend time at sea. Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2024 The end of the year is prime time for promotions as companies plan their organizational structure and budgets for the upcoming year. Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 24 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near prime time

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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