full time

¹ American  

[fool tahym] / ˈfʊl ˈtaɪm /

noun

1. the number of hours in a period, as a day, week, or month, considered customary for pursuing an activity, especially working at a job: FT, F/T

   The factory now operates on full time.

---

full-time ² American  

[fool-tahym] / ˈfʊlˈtaɪm /

adjective

1. working or operating the customary or requisite number of hours in each day, week, or month.

   a full-time housekeeper;

   full-time production.

2. being indefinitely employed by one company for the customary or requisite number of hours.

   Only full-time employees are eligible for healthcare.

---

adverb

1. on a full-time basis; on a schedule corresponding to the customary number of working or operational hours.

full-time ¹ British  

adjective

1. for the entire time appropriate to an activity

   a full-time job

   a full-time student

---

adverb

1. on a full-time basis

   he works full time

full time ² British  

noun

1. the end of a football or other match Compare half-time

---

Other Word Forms

• full-timer noun

Etymology

Origin of full time¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Origin of full-time²

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Curtis’ listing of the New York apartment suggests he may be preparing to relocate to Los Angeles full time in order to spend more time with Aniston, whom he readily gushed about during his “Today” show appearance earlier this month.

From MarketWatch

Reed said trying to meet different regulations is a "full time job" and alignment with the EU would be welcomed as it could drive down time and costs, making products more accessible for consumers.

From BBC

Real earnings for all male workers in 2024 were only 23% higher than in 1989; the gain for men working full time, year-round was even smaller at 13%.

From MarketWatch

“Does it mean never working again, or just not full time? Does it mean travel, or staying put somewhere cheap? Those answers matter more than any rule of thumb,” HernandezAriano said.

From MarketWatch

So I’ll be full time with Lou Ann reminding me of my mistakes.

From Literature