Meaning of time in English

time

noun

/taɪm/ uk

/taɪm/

time noun (MINUTES/DAYS/YEARS)

Add to word list Add to word list

A2 [ U ]

the part of existence that is measured in minutes, days, years, etc., or this process considered as a whole:

spend time He wants to spend more time with his family.

time passes Time passes so quickly when you're having fun.

as time goes on She grew more and more fascinated by the subject as time went on.

as time goes by We miss her even more as time goes by.

over time The curtains have faded over time (= as years have gone past).

with time With time, people forget.

in time You'll forget her in time (= in the future).

Over the course of time (= as years have gone past), holes have formed in the rock.

pass the time When Paula was sick, I took her some magazines to help her pass the time.

take more time with If you'd taken more time with (= spent more time doing) this paper, you could have done it much better.

take a long time It takes a long time (= many hours are needed) to get from London to Sydney.

save time We'd save time on our trip (= it would be quicker) if we went by train.

period of time I only worked there for a short period of time.

gain time The kitchen clock is gaining time (= is going fast).

lose time I noticed the clock was starting to lose time (= go slow).

keep time My watch has never kept very good time (= been correct).

all the time

continuously:

I wish you'd stop criticizing me all the time.

in no time C1 (also in next to no time)

very quickly or very soon:

The kids ate their dinner in no time.

no time to lose

If you say there is or that you have no time to lose, it means that you must do quickly whatever it is that you want to do:

Come on, there's no time to lose - we have to get home before John finds out.

for all time literary

always:

I will love you for all time.

of all time

that has ever lived or existed:

She's been called the greatest singer of all time.

More examplesFewer examples

I'd like some time to consider before I make a decision.
If we cut across the field, it'll save time.
She spends a good deal of her time in Glasgow.
How much time do you allow yourself to get ready in the morning?
A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into this exhibition.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Relating to time

See more results »

time noun (SYSTEM)

C1 [ U ]

the system of recording hours used in different parts of the world:

Greenwich Mean Time

daylight saving time

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Days & times of day

See more results »

time noun (TIME AVAILABLE)

an amount of time that you have available to do something:

find time to I don't know how you find time to do all the things you do.

give someone time I thought we'd give her a little more time (= allow her more time) to get the job done.

time is short I'd like to visit all the museums but time is short (= there is little time left).

have time

If you have time, you have enough time to do something:

We don't have much time before the train leaves.

waste (your) time

to not make good use of the hours, etc. that you have available:

If you'd done your work instead of wasting time on your phone, you'd be finished by now.

run out of time

to not have enough hours, etc. available to finish something you are trying to do:

She ran out of time and didn't finish the last question.

be (all) out of time

to not have enough minutes, etc. available:

I'd like to continue this discussion, but we're all out of time.

time's up informal

there are no more minutes, hours, etc. available:

OK, everyone, time's up for this week.

time added on

(also injury time, stoppage time)

a period of time added to the end of a soccer game because play was stopped during the game, usually to take care of players who were hurt:

His goal in the third minute of time added on sealed the match.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Spending time & time passing

See more results »

time noun (PERIOD)

A2 [ S or U ]

a particular period of time for which something has been happening, or that is needed for something:

after a time After a time, it became clear that nobody was interested in coming to the meetings.

for a short time They stayed with us for a short time.

for a long time That was the best restaurant I've been to for a long time (= a long period has gone past since I went to such a good restaurant).

in a long time For the first time in a long time, he looked healthy.

some time ago It was some time ago that I last heard from her.

in two weeks', three days', etc. time We're going on vacation in two weeks' time (= after two weeks have passed).

during someone's time During her time (= while she was) in office, the president introduced a large number of changes.

spare time What do you like doing in your spare/free time (= when you are not working)?

free time

have/take time off

to stop work, in order to do something else:

have/take time off from work I asked my boss if I could have some time off from work to go to the dentist.

for a time

for a short period:

For a time, we all thought that Sheila and Frank would get married.

for some time

for a fairly long period of time:

I've been doing yoga for some time.

for the time being

for a limited period:

Leave the ironing for the time being - I'll do it later.

time of the month

used to refer to someone's period (= the bleeding from the womb that happens once a month when a person is not pregnant), especially when you want to avoid saying the word "period":

She often gets stomach pain when it's her time of the month.

More examplesFewer examples

I cherish the memories of the time we spent together.
Childhood is not always a happy time.
She has a difficult time ahead of her.
Being out of work for a long time is very demoralizing.
Have we got time for a quick drink?

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Relating to time

See more results »

time noun (PARTICULAR POINT)

A1 [ C or S or U ]

a particular point in the day, as expressed in hours and minutes or shown on a clock, or a particular point in time:

What time is it?

what's the time mainly UK "What's the time?" "It's ten o'clock."

What time do you quit work?

the time Do you have the time? (= Do you know what time it is?)

tell time He's teaching his daughter to tell time (= to recognize what time it is by looking at a clock).

time of Did you find out the times of the buses to Mexico City?

The estimated time of arrival/departure of this flight is 11:15.

the right time mainly UK Oh dear, is that the right time? (= is it really so late?)

at the same time We always have dinner at the same time every day.

by the time I was exhausted by the time (= when) I got home.

a good/bad/etc. time When would be a good time for me to call you?

time of day "What would be the best time of day for us to deliver the table?" "Oh, any time will be OK."

for the time of Today's temperatures will be normal for the time of year (= will be as they are expected to be in this season).

this time Just think, this time (= at the same particular point during) next week we'll be in Aruba.

at the present time We regret that at the present time we are unable to supply the products you ordered.

at this time US We regret that we are unable to supply the products you ordered at this time.

time is approaching The time is fast approaching (= it will soon be the time) when we'll have to make a decision.

at the time

at the particular point when something was thought of or done:

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

at the same time

If two things happen at the same time, they happen together:

We arrived at the same time.

at your time of life

at a person's present age, especially when that person is older:

At his time of life, he ought to be taking things easy.

More examplesFewer examples

What time would it be convenient for me to come round?
By the time the meal began, the youngest children were getting tired and crotchety.
I might go to the movies tomorrow - it depends what time I get home from work.
The train was empty by the time it reached London.
The exact time of the accident was 2.43 pm.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Points in time

See more results »

time noun (SUITABLE POINT)

B1 [ S or U ]

a particular point of the day, year, etc. that is suitable for a particular activity, or at which something is expected to happen:

holiday time

party time

time for Put your toys away now - it's time for bed.

time (that) It's time (that) I was leaving.

[ + to infinitive ] Is it time (for us) to go home yet?

This is not the time (= not an appropriate moment) to be thinking about buying a house.

This is no time (= not an appropriate moment) to change your mind.

the time has come I feel that the time has come (= now is an appropriate moment) for me to move on.

ahead of time The repairs to the road were finished two weeks ahead of time (= sooner than was expected).

on time Why is it that the buses never run on time (= make their trips in the expected number of hours, etc.)?

before someone's time She's grown old before her time (= sooner than she might have been expected to have done).

in time

early enough:

I got home just in time - it's starting to rain.

(right) on time informal (UK also (dead/bang) on time)

happening or done at the particular moment that it was expected to happen or be done:

My parents got to the house right on time.

ahead of time mainly US

earlier than a particular moment:

Let's meet for lunch. I'll call you ahead of time to decide exactly when and where.

about time C1informal (also high time)

If it is about time/high time that someone did something, it should have been done sooner or a long time ago:

about/high time that It's about time that the school improved its food service.

about time informal (UK also about time too, not before time)

said when someone does something or something happens that you think should have been done or have happened much sooner:

"So Ben's finally found a job." "Yeah, it's about time."

the time is right/ripe

it is the most suitable moment to do something or for something to happen:

I haven't told him yet, but I will when the time is right.

More examplesFewer examples

It's time we dug up those potatoes.
Many politicians argued that this was no time to disarm .
The submarine dived just in time to avoid the enemy attack.
Drink up! It's time to go.
Borrowers are expected to return books on time.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Points in time

See more results »

time noun (OCCASION)

A2 [ C ]

an occasion when something happens, or the experience connected with it:

The last time we went to Paris, it rained every day.

each/every time Every time/Each time I ask you to do something you say you're busy.

They go swimming three or four times a week.

time when There are times when I wish I didn't live where I do.

The four-time champion (= the champion on four occasions in the past) was defeated in the second round.

at the time If I'd known at the time (= then) that she was his former wife, I'd never have said what I did.

at times Sometimes I enjoy my English classes, but at other times I find them really boring.

for the umpteenth time For the umpteenth/hundredth/thousandth time, (= I've told you on many occasions to) stop teasing your sister.

have a good time Did you have a good time (= enjoy yourself) at the party?

have a bad time He's had a bad time recently because his mother is very ill.

have a hard time of it She had a hard time of it (= an uncomfortable experience) with the birth of her second baby.

have an easy time of it No-one thinks these families are having an easy time of it.

from time to time

sometimes, but not often:

From time to time I still think of her.

time after time

again and again:

Time after time she gets involved in relationships with the wrong men.

time and (time) again

very often:

I've told you time and time again - look before you cross the road.

at all times

continuously:

When you're at the airport, you should make sure you have your luggage with you at all times.

at (any) one time (also at a time); (also at any given time)

at or during any particular point or moment in the day:

Only a certain number of people are allowed in the building at any one time.

at times

sometimes:

You can be really annoying at times, you know.

at any time

used in negative sentences instead of "ever":

Parking is not allowed here at any time.

The door was marked "No entrance at any time" but he tried to open it anyway.

Prisoners are not permitted in the yard unsupervised at any time.

You may not, at any time, use someone else's login to access our website.

whenever; at any point while something is happening:

An attack could occur at any time.

Contracts such as these can be terminated at any time.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link below.

Savings can be withdrawn at any time.

Accidents like this can happen anywhere and at any time.

the times UK

on many occasions:

The times I've told you, ask before you borrow my clothes.

More examplesFewer examples

The announcement came at a bad time.
Don't be stupid - let me pay - you paid last time.
Every time I ring her, the phone is engaged.
I fell in love with him the first time I saw him.
I was embarrassed at the time, but I had a good laugh about it later.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Points in time

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Experiencing and suffering

Always & never

time noun (HISTORICAL PERIOD)

B2 [ C ]

(also times)

a period in history:

time of "A Tale of Two Cities" is set at the time of the French Revolution.

in/during medieval/Victorian/modern/etc. times In/During medieval times, women thought to be witches were burned at the stake.

in times In times gone by, all crops were harvested by hand.

times were hard Times were hard (= living conditions were not good) when I was a boy.

modern times He is widely regarded as one of the best writers of modern times (= the present or very recent past).

our times He called AIDS "the greatest health challenge of our times (= the present or very recent past)."

in someone’s time I never thought it would happen in my time (= before I died).

old times We sat and talked about old times (= things that had happened to us in the past.)

times have changed Times have changed and many more women now have executive jobs than in the past.

at one time C2

in the past:

At one time, George Eliot lived here.

ahead of your time (UK also before your time)

having new ideas, opinions, or ways of living long before most other people do:

The documentary shows a modern woman years ahead of her time.

before someone's time

If something is before your time, it happened or existed before you were born or were old enough to remember it:

I don't remember the Beatles - they were before my time.

time was

said to mean that there was a period in the past when something used to happen or be true:

time was when Time was when you could buy a loaf of bread for a quarter.

More examplesFewer examples

These coins were used in Roman times.
My novel is set in the time of the French Revolution.
I don't suppose we'll find life on Mars in my time.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

History - general words

See more results »

time noun (RACE)

[ C or U ]

Your time in a race is the number of minutes, hours, etc. you take to complete it:

time for Her time for the marathon was just under three hours.

record time He ran the 100 meters in record time.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Competitions, & parts of competitions

See more results »

time noun (MUSIC)

[ U ]

the number of beats in a bar of music, or the speed at which a piece of music is intended to be played:

in 3/4, 4/4, etc. time This piece is written in 4/4 time.

in time with Small children often have difficulty singing in time with the music (= at the same speed at which the music is being played).

out of time It seemed to me as if the violins were playing out of time (= at a different speed from the other instruments playing the same piece of music).

beat time To beat time is to make a regular series of sounds at the same speed as a piece of music is played.

keep time Tapping your foot will help you to keep time (= to play the music at the correct speed).

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Beats or lengths of musical notes

See more results »

time noun (PRISON)

do time informal

to spend a period of time in prison:

It's not always easy to find a job after you've done time.

time noun (DRINKING)

[ U ]

the particular point in the day at which people who are drinking in a bar in the UK have to finish their drinks and leave:

"Time, please!" called the landlord.

Is it time already?

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Drinking alcohol

See more results »

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

Days & times of day

Grammar

Always: meaning

Always can mean ‘on every occasion’, ‘forever’ or ‘very frequently’. In these meanings we use it with simple tense forms: …

Always with continuous verb forms

We can use always with continuous verb forms to refer to regular events or states, especially ones which are problematic or which we do not like or want: …

Always: position

We most commonly use always in mid position, between the subject and main verb, after the modal verb or first auxiliary verb, or after main verb be: …

Always with can and could

We often use always with can and could to talk about possible solutions to problems: …

As always

We use as always to talk about one event which is seen as typical: …

Always or all the time?

All the time also means ‘very often’ or ‘continually’ and is commonly used to refer to things that people do not like or do not want to happen. We don’t use all the time in mid position: …

Measurements

We use the nouns length, width, depth and height and the adjectives long, wide, deep and high to talk about area and size: …

Area: length, width, depth and height

We use the nouns length, width, depth and height and the adjectives long, wide, deep and high to talk about area and size: …

Weight and volume

We use the verb weigh to measure weight: …

Frequency, speed, time

We use many different expressions to describe frequency, speed and time. Here are some of them: …

Time

Time is a noun with a number of meanings. In some senses it is countable, and in others it is uncountable. A good learner’s dictionary will give you its many meanings and tell you whether it is countable or uncountable. …

Time: seconds, minutes, hours, years

We use time to refer to what is measured in seconds, minutes, hours and years as a whole. In this sense it is uncountable: …

Time: talking about clock or calendar time

When we talk about specific clock times, time is countable. We do not say hour: …

On time and in time

We use on time to talk about timetabled events. If something is on time, it means that it is at the scheduled time. We often use right on time or, more informally, dead on time or bang on time, for emphasis: …

Time: referring to past events

We often use expressions with time to refer to past events (the time, the time that, the time when): …

Telling the time

We can ask about the time in different ways: …

It’s time

We can use the expression it’s time + subject + past verb form to refer to the present moment: …

Idioms

all the time in the world
behind the times
be pressed for time
change with/keep up with/move with the times
give someone a hard time
give someone the time of day
have a lot of time for someone
have no time for someone
have time to kill
a matter/question of time

More idioms

there's a time and a place (for everything)
there's no time like the present
time and tide wait for no man
time flies
time hangs heavy
time is money
time is of the essence
time is on someone's side
the time is ripe
the time of your life
have time on your hands
time stands still
(only) time will tell
time's a great healer

time

verb [ T ]

/taɪm/ uk

/taɪm/

time verb [T] (ARRANGE)

to decide that something will happen at a particular time:

[ + to infinitive ] We timed our trip to coincide with my cousin's wedding.

to arrange something so that it happens at the best possible time:

If you time your departure carefully, you should be able to miss the worst of the traffic.

The girls' basketball team won the game with a perfectly timed shot (= one played at exactly the right moment), just before the buzzer.

More examplesFewer examples

They timed the book to coincide with the film release.
They timed the trip for after the end of their project.

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Planning, expecting and arranging

See more results »

time verb [T] (MEASURE)

to measure how long it takes for something to happen or for someone to do something:

Will you time me to see how long it takes me to swim a lap?

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Measuring & weighing

See more results »

-time

suffix

/ -taɪm/ uk

/ -taɪm/

the stated period of time during the year, day, etc.:

springtime

Christmas-time

daytime

night-time

SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases

Relating to time

See more results »

(Definition of time from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

time | Intermediate English

time

noun

/tɑɪm/

time noun (MEASURE OF EXISTENCE)

Add to word list Add to word list

[ U ]

the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc., in which existence is measured, or the past, present, and future considered as a whole:

I really don’t have time to call her today.

The children spent most of their time outdoors.

We’d save time (= It would be quicker) if we didn’t have to pick up Bobby on the way.

[ U ]

If you waste time, you do not make good use of the amount of time available to you.

time noun (PARTICULAR PERIOD)

[ C/U ]

a particular period of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc., during which something has been happening or is needed or available:

[ U ] The kids are well-behaved most of the time.

[ C ] She was very lonely at that time.

[ C ] They talked for a long time.

[ U ] She spent most of her free time listening to music.

[ C ] It’s unusual to get snow at this time of year.

[ U ] Those kids are over here all the time (= often or continuously).

[ C/U ]

If you pass time, you do something while waiting for something else to happen:

[ U ] While he was waiting, Joe passed the time looking through magazines.

[ C/U ]

Your time in a race is the number of seconds, minutes, and hours you take to complete it:

[ C ] The track was soft, and the times were slow.

time noun (MEASUREMENT ON A CLOCK)

[ C/U ]

a particular moment in the day, as expressed in hours and minutes and shown on a clock, or a particular point in the day, week, month, or year:

[ U ] What time is it?

[ U ] What time do you finish work?

[ U ] He’s teaching his daughter to tell time (= to recognize what particular point in the day it is by looking at a clock).

[ C ] I catch the train at the same time every day.

[ U ] Parking is not allowed here at any time (= ever).

[ C/U ]

Time is also used to refer to the system of recording hours used in different parts of the world:

[ U ] Mountain Standard Time

[ U ] daylight saving time

time noun (SUITABLE POINT)

[ C/U ]

a point of the day, week, month, or year that is suitable for a particular activity, or at which something is expected to happen:

[ U ] We had enjoyed our visit, but now it was time to go home.

[ U ] Put away your toys, Leni, it’s time for bed.

[ C ] The times for meals are listed on the schedule.

[ U ] This is no time (= not a suitable moment) to change your mind.

in time

To be in time for something is to arrive at the right moment, before it is too late to do something:

We arrived just in time for the show

I'm glad you got here in time to see Julie before she goes.

The plane is expected to arrive on time (= when scheduled).

time noun (OCCASION)

[ C ]

an occasion or period, or the experience connected with it:

This is a time to be serious.

There were times when he almost gave up, but somehow he managed to survive.

We visit my mother a few times a year.

She takes the medicine three times a day.

He was holding down three jobs at the same time.

We had a good time at the party.

time noun (HISTORICAL PERIOD)

[ C ]

(also times)

a period in history:

Indians since ancient times have ground their corn by hand.

before your time

Something or someone before your time happened or existed before you were born or were old enough to remember:

The Beatles were way before my time.

Idioms

at a time
do time
the time is ripe
time after time
time and (time) again
time flies
time is on someone's side
time on your hands
times have changed
time’s up

More idioms

time will tell

time

verb [ T ]

/tɑɪm/

time verb [T] (MEASURE ON A CLOCK)

to arrange for something to happen at a specific moment:

We timed our arrivals at the airport so that we could meet and share a taxi to the city.

time verb [T] (MEASURE PARTICULAR PERIOD)

to measure the seconds, minutes, and hours for something to happen or someone to do something:

We ran two miles and were timed at 12 minutes and 30 seconds.

You’ve got to time the roast or it will get overdone.

(Definition of time from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

time | Business English

time

noun

/taɪm/ us

Add to word list Add to word list

[ U ]

what is measured in minutes, hours, etc.:

spend/waste/save time Many consumers spend considerable time researching the best buys for a new or camera.

have (the) time to do sth Not all investors have the time to invest directly in stocks and shares.

an amount/period/length of time The amount of time small-business managers spend at work has increased

a lot of/plenty of/little time Executives often complain that a lot of time is wasted in meetings.

give sb time to do sth The Australian IT group has been given more time to raise funds for the merger.

more/less time Suggested amendments to current legislation would give borrowers more time to pay back loans.

it takes time to do sth Customers using the new system report an 80% reduction in the time it takes to place orders.

over time How do you think the market will perform over time?

time and money/resources/energy Today's youngsters spend more time and money on personal grooming than any previous generation.

[ S ]

a period of time of a particular type, for example, a period that is difficult, successful, etc.:

a difficult/hard/tough time Auto makers are having a tough time in a marketplace that is getting more and more competitive.

an easy/good time The media group has not had an easy time of late, due to a difficult advertising market and changing viewer habits.

[ S ]

a period of time of a particular length:

for a time The advantages of low business tax can give a significant boost to economies, at least for a time.

a long/short/extended time TV will probably continue to dominate the advertising market for a long time.

[ U ]

time that is used in a particular way or for a specific purpose:

Most of my time at work is spent in direct contact with clients.

work/free/leisure time

make/take time to do sth Don't forget to take time to fill out all the necessary forms.

[ C ]

an occasion when something happens:

at a time when Eliminating estate tax would add to the nation's debt at a time when we can least afford it.

at this/that time At that time, I had to travel a lot with my job.

the first/next/last time Share prices rose yesterday for the first time in over two years.

every/each time New "smart meters" show how much water is consumed every time a power shower is run or a washing machine is used.

[ S or U ]

the time shown on a clock or a watch:

the time of sth The time of the meeting has been put back to 11.30 am.

What time shall we start?

[ U ]

the time in one country or part of the world that is different from the time in another country or part of the world:

The phone went on sale at 6 p.m. local time.

against time

if you do something against time, you have to work very hard to finish it by the agreed time or date:

We are working against time to get the stadium finished for the opening ceremony.

a race/battle/fight against time The race against time to stop deforestation has begun.

ahead of time

if you do something ahead of time, you do it early or before something else happens:

You must arrive at the airport two hours ahead of time in order to go through security.

all the time/the whole time

for the whole of a period of time:

New technology means that employees no longer need to be at their desks all the time.

if something happens all the time or the whole time, it happens very often:

Subscribers to our service get as many as 75 channels, with new ones coming all the time.

at a time

if something happens for days, weeks, months, etc. at a time, it continues for the whole of that period:

Computer viruses are capable of crippling large companies, often for days at a time.

in groups or amounts of a particular number:

Guest designers - as many as 100 at a time - have been invited to work with resident designers.

at all times formal

always or at any time of the day:

Calls to other mobiles cost 40p a minute at all times.

This exit must be kept clear at all times.

behind time

happening or being done later than expected:

Trains are running behind time due to an accident on the line.

in good time

early, or allowing more than enough time for something to happen:

Remember to send your tax form to us in good time.

in time for sth

before something else starts or happens:

Just in time for the fall buying season, the company has announced a range of new handheld PCs.

it's time for sb to do sth

used to say that something must be done immediately or very soon:

It's time for Congress to pass a stimulus package to kick-start the economy.

keep up/move/change with the times

to allow ideas, methods, etc. to develop and remain modern:

The BBC knows it has to move with the times in its negotiations over broadcasting rights.

a matter/question of time

used to say that something will happen in the future, probably quite soon:

It may be just a matter of time until a budget airline introduces a crew-free plane.

You'll find a job eventually - it's only a question of time.

nine times out of ten/99 times out of 100

used to say that something nearly always happens in a particular way or nearly always produces a particular result:

Nine times out of ten, if you propose an idea, someone will argue with it.

ten/20/100, etc. times better/bigger/worse, etc.

used when you compare two things to say how much better, bigger, worse, etc. something is than something else:

The median wealth of people with ISAs is 20 times greater than that of the general population.

on time

at the agreed or expected time:

We are committed to completing the project on time and on budget.

I expect all my staff to get to work on time.

the time has come/the time is ripe for sth

used to emphasize that something must be done or dealt with immediately:

We feel the time has come for him to resign.

With a falling housing market in Europe, the time is ripe for property auctions.

time is money

used to say that if you waste time you are also losing money:

For the oil industry time is money, and in most cases it's cheaper to pay compensation and move to another site than wait for a board hearing.

time is of the essence

used to say that you should not wait or waste time before doing something important or urgent:

Environmentalists argue that time is of the essence in redirecting transportation money from roads to transit.

Examples of time

time

Many are involved in politics for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times

Usually if somebody gets me, they won't get me a second time.

From The Seattle Times

He is so violent and neurotic all the time.

From USA TODAY

His daughter was a 6-year-old kindergartner at the time.

From The Atlantic

The work can be challenging as well as time-consuming.

From Voice of America

Our community comes together in times of tragedy.

From The Seattle Times

It was retweeted and reposted not hundreds, but thousands of times.

From New York Daily News

That's number one -- happens to me all the time.

From Gizmodo

We have family and friends praying for us all of the time.

From CNN

Another day and time and it could have been thousands.

From OregonLive.com

As harrowing as the bad times are, keep in mind that they too shall pass -- and the good times go by just as quickly.

From The Atlantic

I flew business class for the first time in my life last week.

From The Atlantic

This was not far-fetched to the people of the time.

From NPR

This is the time to be good to yourself.

From Huffington Post

At the time, it was considered a surprising finding.

From NOLA.com

These examples are from corpora and from sources on the web. Any opinions in the examples do not represent the opinion of the Cambridge Dictionary editors or of Cambridge University Press or its licensors.