time

  • noun 1 the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future, regarded as a whole. 2 a point of time as measured in hours and minutes past midnight or noon. 3 the favourable or appropriate moment to do something. 4 (a time) an indefinite period. 5 (also times) a portion of time characterized by particular events or circumstances: Victorian times. 6 (one’s time) a period regarded as characteristic of a particular stage of one’s life. 7 the length of time taken to complete an activity. 8 time as allotted, available, or used: a waste of time. 9 an instance of something happening or being done. Brit. the moment at which the opening hours of a public house end. informal a prison sentence. an apprenticeship. the normal rate of pay for time spent working. (times) (following a number) expressing multiplication. the rhythmic pattern or tempo of a piece of music.

  • verb 1 arrange a time for. 2 perform at a particular time. 3 measure the time taken by. 4 (time out) Computing (of a computer or a program) cancel (an operation) automatically because a predefined interval of time has passed. 5 (times) informal multiply (a number).

  — PHRASES about time conveying that something should have happened earlier. all the time 1 at all times. 2 very frequently or regularly. at the same time 1 simultaneously. 2 nevertheless. at a time separately in the specified groups or numbers. behind the times not aware of or using the latest ideas or techniques. for the time being until some other arrangement is made. have no time for 1 be unable or unwilling to spend time on. 2 dislike or disapprove of. in time 1 not late. 2 eventually. 3 in accordance with the appropriate musical rhythm or tempo. keep good (or bad) time 1 (of a clock or watch) record time accurately (or inaccurately). 2 be habitually punctual (or not punctual). keep time play or accompany music in time. on time punctual; punctually. pass the time of day exchange greetings or casual remarks. time and tide wait for no man proverb if you don’t make use of a favourable opportunity, you may never get the same chance again. time immemorial a point of time in the distant past beyond recall or knowledge. time is money proverb time is a valuable resource, therefore it’s better to do things as quickly as possible. the time of one’s life a period or occasion of exceptional enjoyment. time out of mind another way of saying time immemorial. time will tell the truth about something will be established in the future.

  — ORIGIN Old English; related to TIDE, which it superseded in temporal senses.

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