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Meaning of time in English
                                                    
                                    
    
                                    
                            
            
                            
                
            
 
time
noun
 
uk                    
            
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/taɪm/ us                    
            
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/taɪm/
                                                            
 
time noun             (MINUTES/DAYS/YEARS)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
A2 [ U ] 
the part of existence that is measured in minutes, days, years, etc., or this process considered as a whole: 
 
He wants to spend more time with his family.
 Time passes so quickly when you're having fun.
 She grew more and more fascinated by the subject as time went on/by.
 The curtains have faded over/with time (= as years have gone past).
 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.
 When Paula was ill, I took her some magazines to help her pass the time.
 If you'd taken more time with/over (= spent more time doing) this essay, you could have done it much better.
 It takes a long time (= many hours are needed) to get from London to Sydney.
 We'd save time on our journey (= it would be quicker) if we went by train.
 I only worked there for a short period of time.
 The kitchen clock is gaining/losing time (= is going fast/slow).
 My watch has never kept very good time (= been correct).
 
 all the time
                        
                                                                                    
                
A2 
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.
 We'll be home in next to 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.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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time noun             (SYSTEM)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
C1 [ U ] 
the system of recording hours used in different parts of the world: 
 
Greenwich Mean Time
 daylight saving time
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Days & times of day                        
                        
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time noun             (TIME AVAILABLE)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
an amount of time that you have available to do something: 
 
I don't know how you find time to do all the things you do.
 I thought we'd give her a little more time (= allow her more time) to get the job done.
 I'd like to visit all the museums but time is short (= there is little time left).
 
 have time
                        
                                                                                    
                
B1 
If you have time, you have enough time to do something: 
 
We don't have much time before the train leaves.
 Do you have time for a quick drink after work?
 I'd like to learn to sail, but I don't have the time (= I am too busy).
 [ + to infinitive ] I don't have time to go to the shops today.
 
 waste time
                        
                                                                                    
                
A2 
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
                        
                                                                                    
                
B1 
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
                        
                                                                                    
                
  UK 
(also injury time, stoppage time) 
a period of time added to the end of a football match 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.
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Spending time & time passing                        
                        
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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, it became clear that nobody was interested in coming to the meetings.
 They stayed with us for a short time.
 That was the best restaurant I've been to for/in a long time (= a long period has gone past since I went to such a good restaurant).
 It was some time ago that I last heard from her.
 We're going on holiday in two weeks' time (= after two weeks have passed).
 During her time (= while she was) in office, the prime minister introduced a large number of changes.
 What do you like doing in your spare/free time (= when you are not working)?
 
 have/take time off
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
to stop work, in order to do something else: 
 
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
                        
                                                                                    
                
B2 
for a fairly long period of time: 
 
I've been doing yoga for some time.
 
 for the time being
                        
                                                                                    
                
C1 
for a limited period: 
 
Leave the ironing for the time being - I'll do it later.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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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?
mainly UK "What's the time?" "It's ten o'clock."
 What time do you finishwork?
 Have you got the time? (= Do you know what time it is?)
 He's teaching his daughter to tell the time (= to recognize what time it is by looking at a clock).
 Did you find out the times of the trains to Kiev?
 The estimated time of arrival/departure of this flight is 11.15.
mainly UK Oh dear, is that the (right) time? (= is it really so late?)
 We always have dinner at the same time every day.
 I was exhausted by the time (= when) I got home.
 When would be a good time for me to call you?
 "What would be the best time of day for us to deliver the table?" "Oh, any time will be OK."
 Today's temperatures will be normal for the time of year (= will be as they are expected to be in this season).
 Just think, this time (= at the same particular point during) next week we'll be in Aruba.
 We regret that at the present time (US also at this time) we are unable to supply the products you ordered.
 The time is fast drawing near/approaching (= it will soon be the time) when we'll have to make a decision.
 
 at the time
                        
                                                                                    
                
A2 
at the particular point when something was thought of or done: 
 
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
 
 at the same time
                        
                                                                                    
                
B1 
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: 
 
At his time of life, he ought to be taking things easy.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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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
 Put your toys away now - it's time for bed.
 It's time (that) I was leaving.
 [ + to infinitive ] Is it time (for us) to go home yet?
 This is not the time (= not a suitable moment) to be thinking about buying a house.
 This is no time (= not a suitable moment) to change your mind.
 I feel that the time has come (= now is a suitable moment) for me to move on.
 The repairs to the road were finished two weeks ahead of time (= sooner than was expected).
 Why is it that the buses never run on time (= make their journeys in the expected number of hours, etc.)?
 She's grown old before her time (= sooner than she might have been expected to have done).
 
 in time
                        
                                                                                    
                
B1 
early enough: 
 
I got home just in time - it's starting to rain.
 If we don't hurry up, we won't be in time to catch the train.
 We got there in plenty of time (= we arrived early) for the beginning of the game.
 
 (right/dead/bang) on time informal
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
happening or done at the particular moment that it was expected to happen or be done: 
 
My parents go 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: 
 
It's about time (that) the school improved its food service.
 It is high time for the critics to open their minds to a new approach.
 
 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.
 She felt the time was right to leave.
 The time is ripe for investing in new technology.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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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.
 Every time/Each time I ask you to do something you say you're busy.
 They go swimming three or four times a week.
 There are times when I wish I didn't live where I do.
 The four-times champion (= the champion on four occasions in the past) was defeated in the second round.
 If I'd known at the time (= then) that she was his former wife, I'd never have said what I did.
 Sometimes I enjoy my English classes, but at other times I find them really boring.
 For the umpteenth/hundredth/thousandth time, (= I've told you on many occasions to) stop teasing your sister.
 Did you have a bad/good time (= an unpleasant/enjoyable experience) at the conference?
 She had an easy/hard time of it (= a comfortable/uncomfortable experience) with the birth of her second baby.
 
 from time to time
                        
                                                                                    
                
B2 
sometimes, but not often: 
 
From time to time I still think of her.
 
 time after time
                        
                                                                                    
                
C2 
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.
 I'm sorry, but I'm too busy to help you now - I can only do one thing at a time.
 
 at times
                        
                                                                                    
                
C1 
sometimes: 
 
You can be really annoying at times, you know.
 
 at any time
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
ever: 
 
Parking is not allowed here at any time.
 
 the times UK
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
on many occasions: 
 
The times I've told you, ask before you borrow my clothes.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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                            Points in time                        
                        
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time noun             (HISTORICAL PERIOD)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
B2 [ C ] 
(also times) 
a period in history: 
 
"A Tale of Two Cities" is set at the time of the French Revolution.
 In/During medieval times, women thought to be witches were burned at the stake.
 In times gone by, all crops were harvested by hand.
 Times were hard (= living conditions were not good) when I was a boy.
 He is widely regarded as one of the best writers of modern/our times (= the present or very recent past).
 I never thought it would happen in my time (= before I died).
 We sat and talked about old times (= things that had happened to us in the past.)
 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
 
 
 before sb'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.
 
See also
                
ahead of your 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) you could buy a loaf of bread for sixpence.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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time noun             (RACE)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
  [ C or U ] 
Your time in a race is the number of minutes, hours, etc. you take to complete it: 
 
Her time for the marathon was just under three hours.
 He ran the 100 metres in record time.
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Competitions, & parts of competitions                        
                        
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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: 
 
This piece is written in 4/4 time.
 Small children often have difficulty singing in time with the music (= at the same speed at which the music is being played).
 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).
 To beat time is to make a regular series of sounds at the same speed as a piece of music is played.
 Tapping your foot will help you to keep time (= to play the music at the correct speed).
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Beats or lengths of musical notes                        
                        
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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.
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Putting people in prison                        
                        
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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?
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Drinking alcohol                        
                        
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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
 …                
                
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
 …                
                
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 sb a hard time
                
give sb the time of day
                
have a lot of time for sb
                
have no time for sb
                
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 sb'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 ]
 
uk                    
            
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/taɪm/ us                    
            
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/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.
 
                    
                                    
                                    
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                            Planning, expecting and arranging                        
                        
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time verb [T]             (MEASURE)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
B2 
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 length?
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Measuring & weighing                        
                        
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-time
suffix
 
uk                    
            
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/ -taɪm/ us                    
            
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/ -taɪm/
                        
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
the stated period of time during the year, day, etc.: 
 
springtime
 Christmas-time
 daytime
 night-time
 
                 
                                
                    
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                            Relating to time                        
                        
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                                                  (Definition of time from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)                                     
                
time | American Dictionary
                            
 
time
noun
 
us                    
            
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/tɑɪm/
                
 
time noun             (MEASURE OF EXISTENCE)      
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
  [ 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 ]
 
us                    
            
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/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
 
uk                    
            
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/taɪm/ us                    
            
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  [ 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 sth 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.
 
        
See also
                
airtime
                
closing time
                
comp time
                
compensatory time
                
daylight saving time
                
dead time
                
delivery time
                
double time
                
downtime
                
drive time
                                        
                                        
                                                                                            View all                                        
                
dwell time
                
face time
                
GMT
                
lead time
                
lost time
                
new time
                
prime time
                
standard time
                                        
                                
                
    
                                    
                            
            
                            
                
            
time
verb [ T ]
 
uk                    
            
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/taɪm/ us                    
            
Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio
        
                        
    
                
 
                        
                                                                                    
                
  
to plan the time at which an activity or event starts to happen: 
 
Timing a buy or sell recommendation well is often partly a question of luck.
be timed to do sth The bid had been timed to give the company a head start over their rivals in the venture.
perfectly/well/badly timed Their launch of an international property fund looks to be perfectly timed.
 
        
                                                  (Definition of time from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)                                     
        
            
                
    
Examples of time
    
        time    
            
                                                    
                                                                                            This procedure was repeated 1,000 times to give that number of estimates of the monkey population.                                                                
                                                    From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                        
                
                                                
                                                                                            He then says nothing for some time about any employment.                                                                
                                                    From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                        
                
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
            These examples are from the Cambridge English Corpus 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.        
                            
                
                    
                        More examples                        Fewer examples                    
                
                
                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                            This substrate is also highly variable in time.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            At times his zeal to redeem petite bourgeois politics carries his argument too far.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            We can easily modify this definition, however, to accommodate also the selection of multiple sources at a time.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            Mortality rates were more variable over time on edges than interiors, and there was no evidence of time lags in mortality.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            It is easy to see that the time complexity of flat is linear on the size of the list.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            This predicate repeats the body of a program any given number of times.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            We fixed a maximum running time of 12,000 s (about 3 h) for each test.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            The same switch, pushed for a longer time, is used to select the menu mode.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            One difficulty is to be sure that only one actuator moves at a time.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            It must arise at the same time in it and not in it.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            Terminal time te depends on the example of simulation and experiment.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            The comparative study is based on the accuracy, robustness, processing time and easiness of the implementation.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                                
                                                                                                            Beetles were removed from the traps each time the trap was checked.                                                                                                    
                                                                            From the Cambridge English Corpus                                                                                                                                                                                     
                            
                                                                                
            
                    
            
            
                        
Collocations with time
                    time                
                                
These are words often used in combination with time.
Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.
                        allotted time
Failure to complete the testing in the allotted time period reduced the sample to 99 subjects.
                                                                    From the Cambridge English Corpus                                 
                        amount of time
The aim of this research was to explore the amount of time available for intervention with a mass vaccination campaign.
                                                                    From the Cambridge English Corpus                                 
      
                        ample time
Ample time must be allocated for the surgery.
                                                                    From the Cambridge English Corpus                                 
                            These examples are from the Cambridge English Corpus 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.                        
                        See all collocations with time
                                                            
        
        
            
Translations of time
            
            
                                                    
                        
                                                    
                        
                            
                                                                    
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                                        in Chinese (Simplified)                                    
                                                                    
                                        in Italian                                    
                                                                    
                                        in Russian                                    
                                                                    
                                        in Spanish                                    
                                                            
                        
                    
                                                
                                            
                            
                                分／日／年, 時間, （世界各地不同的）計時體系…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                時刻, ～時, 時…                                                                
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                                zaman, vakit, fırsat…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                temps, heure, époque…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                hora, temps, vegada…                                                                
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                                ساعة, مَوْعِد, زَمَن…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                hodiny, čas, chvíle…                                                                
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                                klokken, tid, tidspunkt…                                                                
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                                jam, waktu, saat…                                                                
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                                เวลา, ช่วงเวลา, เหมาะกับเวลา…                                                                
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                                thời gian trong ngày, thời gian được tính bằng đơn vị năm, tháng…                                                                
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                                czas, godzina, okres…                                                                
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                                menengok masa, masa, waktu…                                                                
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                                die Zeit, der Zeitpunkt, das Mal…                                                                
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                                tid, klokkeslett, tidspunkt…                                                                
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                                시, 시간, 기간…                                                                
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                                hora, tempo, vez…                                                                
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                                分／日／年, 时间, （世界各地不同的）计时体系…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                ora, tempo, volta…                                                                
                                                            See more                                                    
                                            
                            
                                время, час, раз…                                                                
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                                hora, tiempo, vez…                                                                
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                        What is the pronunciation of time?                                                                        
                                    
        
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                                                                        timber                                                                                    
                            
                                                                        timber frame                                                                            BETA                                                            
                            
                                                                        timber framed                                                                            BETA                                                            
                            
                                                                        timbre                                                                                    
                            
                                            time                                                            
                            
                                                                        time after time idiom                                                                                     
                            
                                                                        time and (time) again idiom                                                                                     
                            
                                                                        time and a half                                                                                    
                            
                                                                        time and tide wait for no man idiom                                                                                     
                    
    
                                                                     
                                                
                                                     
                                                
                
            
                    
  
                                 
                                                
                                                 
                                                
                
        
                                    
                            
            
                            
                    
            
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