straight time

noun

1. the time or number of hours established as standard for a specific work period in a particular industry, usually computed on the basis of a workweek and fixed variously from 35 to 40 hours.

2. the rate of pay established for the period (overtime ).

Other Word Forms

• straight-time adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of straight time¹

An Americanism dating back to 1855–60