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 

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

Getting blown out at home by your archrival in prime time on the 20th anniversary of the New Orleans Saints’ return to the city after Hurricane Katrina? — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

The show has moved to prime time, from once a week on weekends to weekday commuting hours. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026

This game against the Eagles is the only one of the Rams’ first five that isn’t in prime time. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026

September is usually prime time for hurricanes because storm-fueling warm water is at its most expansive and hottest alongside ripe atmospheric factors. — Chris Dolce, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prime time

• aforetime
• allozyme
• anytime
• christmastime
• cybercrime
• dinnertime
• guggenheim
• isozyme
• lysozyme
• maritime
• mesenchyme
• overtime

Kids Definition

prime time

noun

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