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• time-sharing
  time-sharing

  noun

  a system or service in which a number of users at different terminals simultaneously use a single computer for different purposes.
• time sharing
  time sharing

time-sharing

American  

[tahym-shair-ing] / ˈtaɪmˌʃɛər ɪŋ /

noun

1. Computers. a system or service in which a number of users at different terminals simultaneously use a single computer for different purposes.

2. Also a plan in which persons share ownership or rental costs of a vacation home, especially a condominium, entitling each participant to use the residence for a specified time each year.

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time sharing British  

noun

1. 1. a system of part ownership of a property, such as a flat or villa, for use as a holiday home, whereby each participant buys the right to use the property for the same fixed period annually

   2. ( as modifier )

      a time-sharing system

2. 1. a system by which users at different terminals of a computer can, because of its high speed, apparently communicate with it at the same time Compare batch processing

   2. ( as modifier )

      a time-sharing computer

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Etymology

Origin of time-sharing

First recorded in 1960–65

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

time-sharing time sharing

Stanford has laid claim to innovations ranging from computer time-sharing to the synthesis of biologically active DNA.

From BBC ● Jun. 23, 2026

It reminds me of research on coyotes in Chicago—both types of carnivores stay in the shadows during the day and roam at night, effectively time-sharing densely populated cities.

From Scientific American ● Mar. 14, 2023

Although he didn’t lose either of those fumbles, they appeared to cost him his time-sharing duties with Williams.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 3, 2022

Or time-sharing of public places: If you don’t show up for your 12:15 p.m. slot at the playground, you’re out of luck.

From Washington Times ● May 4, 2020

This is where Michigan came in, because Michigan was one of the first universities in the world to switch over to time-sharing.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell

"People who are living with these medications are swapping notes with each other in real time, sharing experiences that rarely make it into a doctor's office visit or an official report."

From Science Daily ● May 24, 2026

He spent most of his time sharing the American dream story of Watson and his family.

From Slate ● Dec. 12, 2024

On Tuesday, Limp didn’t address the upcoming transition, other than to note the day was “bittersweet” because it would be his “last time sharing our fall product news.”

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 20, 2023

“In Venezuela we work like this all of the time, sharing and creating together, and this coming together feels like a meeting of old, like-minded friends to be honest,” he said.

From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2023

So far, we’ve spent most of the time sharing videos of dogs doing cute things and discussing hairstyles.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

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