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

But doctors and scientists warn its benefits might be overstated and more research is needed before it goes prime time.

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It was more random that the Broncos wound up being the opponent in Week 3, except that the league wanted to put the Chargers’ games against Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in prime time.

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The company, based in Long Beach, is ready for prime time, with large orders for its new planes.

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It was just surreal and bizarre, and maybe that won’t fly in prime time or late night, but like “Red Eye,” our show now is as interesting and unpredictable as that show was.

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The ratings decline in network prime time has dragged late night down with it, depriving the suited hosts of their once powerful lead-ins.

Read more on Los Angeles Times