showtime

noun

show·​time ˈshō-ˌtīm 

: the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins

Examples of showtime in a Sentence

We have five minutes until showtime.

Showtime is in five minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Even if that accident causes serious burns on her body just before showtime. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026

When Pearl Jam backed Neil Young on the 1995 Mirror Ball tour, Young would spring songs on them 20 minutes before showtime. — Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026

A lot of the appeal of going to theaters is that the performance remains a mystery right up until showtime, a benefit that stealthy filming could threaten, said Bradley, a waiter and theatre director. — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

And the talk drew far and away the longest lines of the festival, snaking around four city blocks an hour before showtime. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for showtime

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

Kids Definition

showtime

noun

show·​time ˈshō-ˌtīm 

: the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins