prime time

noun

Radio and Television.

1. the hours, generally between 8 and 11 p.m., usually having the largest audience of the day.

prime time

noun

1. the peak viewing time on television, for which advertising rates are the highest

adjective

1. occurring during or designed for prime time

   a primetime drama

Word History and Origins

Origin of prime time¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Tough spot for the Buccaneers on the road and in prime time.

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His biggest moment as a professional arrived in a prime time, Monday night game earlier this week against the Arizona Cardinals, when he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a score.

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The NBA audience was so small that advertisers would not pay prime-time rates for those commercials, so the games were not broadcast in prime time.

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The network will carry a prime time game Tuesdays starting this week and Sundays as of Feb. 1.

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Southwest executives are confident the new boarding system is ready for prime time after battle testing it in Houston and Cancún, as well as countless computer simulations.

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