real time

¹ American  

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

noun

1. Computers. the actual time elapsed in the performance of a computation by a computer, the result of the computation being required for the continuation of a physical process.

2. the actual time during which a process takes place or an event occurs.

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idioms

1. in real time, at once; instantaneously.

real-time ² American  

[ree-uhl-tahym, reel-] / ˈri əlˈtaɪm, ˈril- /

adjective

Computers.

1. of or relating to applications in which the computer must respond as rapidly as required by the user or necessitated by the process being controlled.

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real-time British  

adjective

1. denoting or relating to a data-processing system in which a computer receives constantly changing data, such as information relating to air-traffic control, travel booking systems, etc, and processes it sufficiently rapidly to be able to control the source of the data

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real-time Cultural  

1. A term used to describe computer systems that update information at the same rate as they receive data.

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Etymology

Origin of real time

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

“That is the problem with trading a tape that is being written in real time by geopolitics rather than grounded in anything stable,” Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, said.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

This allows them to refine their communication strategies in real time and generate what appears to be widespread public agreement.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

To prepare for this summer, the Eastlands have installed a series of water meters that measure river levels and currents in real time and will sound alarms automatically.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

We just don’t have the tools to address this in real time, the way we all experience the crisis.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

When the time came, the real time, the time when he would leave for good—he would do it alone.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry