small-time
[ smawl-tahym ]
/ ˈsmɔlˈtaɪm /
adjective
of modest or insignificant size, importance, or influence: a small-time politician.
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Origin of small-time
First recorded in 1910–15
Related formssmall-tim·er, noun
Definition for small-time (2 of 2)
small time
noun (in vaudeville)
a circuit of minor theaters giving three or more shows daily.
Origin of small time
An Americanism dating back to 1920–25
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for small-time
British Dictionary definitions for small-time
small-time
adjective
informal insignificant; minora small-time criminal
Derived Formssmall-timer, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for small-time
small-time
1910, originally theater slang for lower-salaried circuits, or ones requiring more daily performances; from noun phrase (also 1910). Cf. big time.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with small-time
small time
A modest or minor level of achievement, as in Her success took her out of the small time to prime-time television. This expression was originally used in vaudeville for second-rate theaters and productions. [Early 1900s] Also see big time, def. 2.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.