pass the time
idiom
: to let time or a period of time go by especially while doing something enjoyable
We played games to pass the time on the bus.
Examples of pass the time in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While cleaning house and doing other chores, Millie listens to music on her giant headphones to help pass the time.
—
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025
These will also help pass the time on your flight, especially if the airline doesn’t have in-flight Wi-Fi or a seatback screen.
—Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
Mesmerizing light and music tunnels, like the 700-foot corridor at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, offer a colorful walking journey between concourses, while gourmet restaurants and bars also help travelers pass the time in airports across the country.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
Or pass the time identifying the world flags hung from the ceiling.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass the time
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.
Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025
These will also help pass the time on your flight, especially if the airline doesn’t have in-flight Wi-Fi or a seatback screen.
—Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2025
Mesmerizing light and music tunnels, like the 700-foot corridor at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, offer a colorful walking journey between concourses, while gourmet restaurants and bars also help travelers pass the time in airports across the country.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
Or pass the time identifying the world flags hung from the ceiling.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 10 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pass the time
Cite this Entry
“Pass the time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass%20the%20time. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share