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
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
Footage of Reagan’s Normandy address was later shown at the Republican National Convention in prime time, reinforcing its importance for the campaign.
—
Sarah Thomson / Made By History, TIME, 6 June 2024
In prime time, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern, MSNBC’s analysis led by Rachel Maddow won the night with 3.4 million viewers, scoring a rare win over Fox News, which was second with 3 million.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
July 20, 1984 ABC and the College Football Association, a group of more than 60 schools, agree on a deal believed to be about $10 million to broadcast a package of 20 games in prime time that fall.
—Mark Shimabukuro, New York Times, 29 May 2024
But the explanation for that bug is really emblematic of this whole situation and suggests that the software wasn’t ready for prime time.
—Chris Welch, The Verge, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prime time 
Sarah Thomson / Made By History, TIME, 6 June 2024
In prime time, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern, MSNBC’s analysis led by Rachel Maddow won the night with 3.4 million viewers, scoring a rare win over Fox News, which was second with 3 million.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024
July 20, 1984 ABC and the College Football Association, a group of more than 60 schools, agree on a deal believed to be about $10 million to broadcast a package of 20 games in prime time that fall.
—Mark Shimabukuro, New York Times, 29 May 2024
But the explanation for that bug is really emblematic of this whole situation and suggests that the software wasn’t ready for prime time.
—Chris Welch, The Verge, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for prime time
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prime time.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prime time
Cite this Entry
“Prime time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20time. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.
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