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.
Facts + Comments Fox News ended the second quarter as the king of prime time news, beating not only every cable TV network, but also outperforming CBS and NBC. Chris Dobstaff, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 Both networks broke viewership records during the World Cup group stage and expect even higher ratings in the coming days, with the US men’s national soccer team playing in prime time on Wednesday night. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 29 June 2026 Ed Villanueva Chino Hills Sorry to say it, but Emmet Sheehan is just not ready for prime time. Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026 But early summer is prime time for these unwelcome visitors to do their damage. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 June 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster