real time

noun

: the actual time during which something takes place

… the computer may partly analyze the data in real time (as it comes in) …

—R. H. March

chatted online in real time

real-time

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈtīm 

adjective

Examples of real time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The system will take aerial images and telemetry data, analyzing them using AI and computer vision models to monitor the movement of trucks and identify vacant parking spaces in real time. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026

One of the clearest reasons people value being together in person is that some kinds of work are simply easier when teams can gather, problem-solve and make decisions in real time. — Brendan Castle, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

But this amuse-bouche of live music, performed by real people in real time and a real space, before a real crowd, felt reassuring in the most profound way. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026

So love triangles in fiction allow the characters and the audience to determine the right choice in real time, which isn’t that practical in real life. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for real time

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime