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| time [ tīm ] |
noun (plural times) |
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| Definition: |
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1. system of distinguishing events: a dimension that enables two identical events occurring at the same point in space to be distinguished, measured by the interval between the events.
Symbol t
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2. period with limits: a limited period during which an action, process, or condition exists or takes place
  elapsed time
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3. also Time method of measuring intervals: a system for measuring intervals of time
sidereal time
Central Daylight Time
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4. minute or hour: the minute, hour, or similar measurement as indicated by a clock
What time is it?
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5. time as causative force: time conceived as a force capable of acting on people and objects
time's ravages
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6. moment something occurs: a moment or period at which something takes place
at the time of her 90th birthday
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7. suitable moment: a moment or period chosen as appropriate for something to be done or to take place
The times for the games will be announced.
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8. unallocated period: a period that is not allocated for a specific purpose
I had time on my hands.
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9. period needed: a period required, allocated, or taken to complete an activity
How much time?
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10. period with particular quality: a period, activity, or occasion that has a particular quality or characteristic
(
often used in the plural
)
They've been through some rough times.
We had an interesting time there.
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11. appointed moment: a designated or customary moment or period at which something is done or takes place
It's time to get up.
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12. U.K. closing time: the time at which a pub or bar is legally required to close
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13. interval: a limited but unspecified period
We stayed for a time.
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14. historical period: a period in history, often characterized by a particular event or person
(
often used in the plural
)
in Shakespeare's time
ancient times
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15. the here and now: the present as distinguished from the past or future
(
often used in the plural
)
technology that is ahead of the times
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16. geology geologic division: a chronological division of geologic history
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17. anticipated moment: a moment in which an important event such as a birth or death is expected to happen
He knew his time had come.
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18. somebody's lifetime: a period during which somebody is alive, especially the most active or productive period in somebody's life
She'd been a well-known athlete in her time.
We didn't worry about such trifles in my time.
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19. apprenticeship period: a period during which somebody is an apprentice
had served his time
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20. crime prison term: a term in prison
(
informal
)
serve time for robbery
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21. military military service: a term of military service
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22. season: a period during which particular climatic conditions prevail
the rainy times of the year
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23. instance: a separate occasion of a recurring event
I told you three times.
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24. music tempo of music: the relative speed at which a musical composition is played
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25. music musical beat: the number of beats per measure of a musical composition
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26. period worked: the period during a day or week that somebody works
working half time
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27. pay rate: a rate of pay
paid double time
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28. sports playing period: a period of play in a game
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29. sports
Same as timeoutn (sense 1)
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verb (past and past participle timed, present participle tim·ing, 3rd person present singular times) |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive verb measure how long something takes: to measure or record the duration, speed, or rate of something
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2. transitive verb schedule something: to plan the moment or occasion for something, especially in order to achieve the best result or effect
time an entrance
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3. transitive verb set time of something: to regulate or set the time of something such as a clock or a train's schedule
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4. intransitive verb stay in rhythm: to keep time to a rhythmic or musical beat
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| [ Old English tīma "period of time" < Germanic, "extend"] |
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all in good time no sooner than is appropriate
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all the time continuously
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at one time
1. at a time in the past
2. simultaneously
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at the same time
1. simultaneously
2. nevertheless
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at times sometimes
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behind the times out of touch with modern fashions, methods, or attitudes
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bide your time to wait patiently for the right opportunity
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for old times' sake in fond memory of the past
We had lunch at the café we used to frequent, for old times' sake.
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for the time being for a short period of time starting from now
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from time to time occasionally
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have no time for somebody or something to regard somebody or something with dislike or contempt
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have the time of your life to have a very enjoyable experience
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in good time
1. early enough
got there in good time so we could find a parking space
2. quickly
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in (less than) no time in a very short period of time
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in time
1. early enough
We were in time for the concert.
2. after some time has passed
He'll understand in time that you were trying to help him.
3. in the correct rhythm
clapping in time to the music
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in your own time at a speed or pace that feels natural and comfortable
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keep time
1. to show the time accurately
2. to do something in the correct rhythm, or in the same rhythm as somebody or something else
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live on borrowed time to enjoy an unexpected extension of life
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make time with somebody North America Northern England to pursue somebody as a sexual partner (informal)
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mark time
1. to continue marching in rhythm without moving forward
2. to do something that makes no contribution toward achieving a goal or ambition while awaiting an opportunity to make progress
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on time at the scheduled time
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once upon a time used at the beginning of fairy tales and children's stories to indicate that something happened a long time ago or in an imaginary world
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on your own time not during working hours
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pass the time of day (with somebody) to engage in casual conversation with somebody
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play for time to delay action or a decision in the hope that conditions will be more favorable later on
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take time out (from) to take a short break from work or another activity
took time out from her studies to travel for a year
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take your time
1. to take whatever time is necessary
2. to do something unacceptably slowly
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time after time repeatedly
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time out of mind for an extremely long time
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time was there was a time in the past
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time will tell it is impossible to know or judge something until some time in the future
Time will tell whether I have made the right decision.
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