n. A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future.n. An interval separating two points on this continuum; a duration: a long time since the last war; passed the time reading. n. A number, as of years, days, or minutes, representing such an interval: ran the course in a time just under four minutes. n. A similar number representing a specific point on this continuum, reckoned in hours and minutes: checked her watch and recorded the time, 6:17 A.M. n. A system by which such intervals are measured or such numbers are reckoned: solar time. n. An interval, especially a span of years, marked by similar events, conditions, or phenomena; an era. Often used in the plural: hard times; a time of troubles. n. The present with respect to prevailing conditions and trends: You must change with the times. n. A suitable or opportune moment or season: a time for taking stock of one's life. n. Periods or a period designated for a given activity: harvest time; time for bed. n. Periods or a period necessary or available for a given activity: I have no time for golf. n. A period at one's disposal: Do you have time for a chat? n. An appointed or fated moment, especially of death or giving birth: He died before his time. Her time is near. n. One of several instances: knocked three times; addressed Congress for the last time before retirement. n. Used to indicate the number of instances by which something is multiplied or divided: This tree is three times taller than that one. My library is many times smaller than hers. n. One's lifetime.n. One's period of greatest activity or engagement.n. A person's experience during a specific period or on a certain occasion: had a good time at the party. n. A period of military service.n. A period of apprenticeship.n. Informal A prison sentence.n. The customary period of work: hired for full time. n. The period spent working.n. The hourly pay rate: earned double time on Sundays. n. The period during which a radio or television program or commercial is broadcast: "There's television time to buy” ( Brad Goldstein). n. The rate of speed of a measured activity: marching in double time. n. Music The meter of a musical pattern: three-quarter time. n. Music The rate of speed at which a piece of music is played; the tempo.n. Chiefly British The hour at which a pub closes.n. Sports A time-out.adj. Of, relating to, or measuring time.adj. Constructed so as to operate at a particular moment: a time release. adj. Payable on a future date or dates.adj. Of or relating to installment buying: time payments. v. To set the time for (an event or occasion).v. To adjust to keep accurate time.v. To adjust so that a force is applied or an action occurs at the desired time: timed his swing so as to hit the ball squarely. v. To record the speed or duration of: time a runner. v. To set or maintain the tempo, speed, or duration of: time a manufacturing process. idiom. against time With a quickly approaching time limit: worked against time to deliver the manuscript before the deadline. idiom. at one time Simultaneously.idiom. at one time At a period or moment in the past.idiom. at the same time However; nonetheless.idiom. at times On occasion; sometimes.idiom. behind the times Out-of-date; old-fashioned.idiom. for the time being Temporarily.idiom. from time to time Once in a while; at intervals.idiom. high time The appropriate or urgent time: It's high time that you started working. idiom. in good time In a reasonable length of time.idiom. in good time When or before due.idiom. in good time Quickly.idiom. in no time Almost instantly; immediately.idiom. in time Before a time limit expires.idiom. in time Within an indefinite time; eventually: In time they came to accept the harsh facts. idiom. in time In the proper tempo.idiom. in time Played with a meter.idiom. on time According to schedule; punctual or punctually.idiom. on time By paying in installments.idiom. time after time Again and again; repeatedly.idiom. time and again Again and again; repeatedly.idiom. time of (one's) life A highly pleasurable experience: We had the time of our lives at the beach. idiom. time on (one's) hands An interval with nothing to do.idiom. time was There was once a time: "Time was when [urban gangs] were part of a . . . subculture that inner-city adolescence outgrew” ( George F. Will).
