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  • me time
    me time
    noun
    time spent focusing on oneself and only doing things one wants to do.
  • me-time
    me-time
    noun
    the time a person has to himself or herself, in which to do something for his or her own enjoyment

me time

American  
[mee tahym] / ˈmi ˌtaɪm /
Or me-time

noun

Informal.
  1. time spent focusing on oneself and only doing things one wants to do.

    I’ll try to find some me time when the kids go back to school.


me-time British  

noun

  1. the time a person has to himself or herself, in which to do something for his or her own enjoyment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of me time

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

The reason that being five years out from retirement is such a big deal is that it gives me time to plan.

From MarketWatch Apr. 22, 2026

That saves me time and helps me pause before trusting AI-generated information—even if I still have to follow up with my own fact-checking.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 21, 2026

Dax doesn’t save me time writing my note or make clinic go any faster.

From Slate Aug. 19, 2025

The party leader also refused to be drawn on whether Reform UK would appoint a new Welsh leader prior to the Senedd elections, replying: "Give me time".

From BBC Apr. 23, 2025

Without giving me time to respond, she closes the door.

From "Five Feet Apart" by Rachael Lippincott

If the me-time in your car lasts so long that it becomes an issue with a spouse or causes you to delay your parental duties too much, it’s time to reconsider, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal Jan. 27, 2026

Other employees are taking a pay cut to not work on Fridays, or some who set their own schedules have designated Fridays as me-time.

From New York Times Apr. 1, 2022

I always start with my sweet almond cleansing balm, as a me-time treatment.

From Los Angeles Times Oct. 13, 2021

Christopher enjoyed some me-time by treating himself to a pedicure with his family.

From Fox News Oct. 7, 2021

Am I crazy that I enjoy this me-time?

From Slate Nov. 4, 2015

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