time
1 a : the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : duration b : a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future c : leisure <~ for reading> 2 : the point or period when something occurs : occasion 3 a : an appointed, fixed, or customary moment or hour for something to happen, begin, or end b : an opportune or suitable moment _ often used in the phrase about time 4 a : an historical period : age b : a division of geologic chronology c : conditions at present or at some specified period _ usu. used in pl. <~ s are hard> d : the present time 5 a : lifetime b : a period of apprenticeship c : a term of military service d : a prison sentence 6 : season 7 a : rate of speed : tempo b : the grouping of the beats of music : rhythm 8 a : a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar b : any of various systems (as sidereal or solar) of reckoning time 9 a : one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions b pl (1) : added or accumulated quantities or instances (2) : equal fractional parts of which an indicated number equal a comparatively greater quantity c : turn 10 : finite as contrasted with infinite duration 11 : a person's experience during a specified period or on a particular occasion 12 a : the hours or days required to be occupied by one's work b : an hourly pay rate c : wages paid at discharge or resignation 13 a : the playing time of a game b : time-out 14 : a period during which something is used or available for use _ at the same time : nevertheless, yet _ at times : at intervals : occasionally _ for the time being : for the present _ from time to time : once in a while : occasionally _ in no time : very quickly or soon _ in time 1 : sufficiently early 2 : eventually 3 : in correct tempo _ on time 1 a : at the appointed time b : on schedule 2 : on the installment plan _ time and again : frequently, repeatedly 2 time vb timed ; timing vt (14c) 1 a : to arrange or set the time of : schedule b : to regulate (a watch) to keep correct time 2 : to set the tempo, speed, or duration of < timed his leap perfectly _Neil Amdur> 3 : to cause to keep time with something 4 : to determine or record the time, duration, or rate of <~ a horse> 5 : to dispose (as a mechanical part) so that an action occurs at a desired instant or in a desired way ~ vi : to keep or beat time 3 time adj (ca. 1711) 1 a : of or relating to time b : recording time 2 : timed to ignite or explode at a specific moment 3 a : payable on a specified future day or a certain length of time after presentation for acceptance <~ deposits> b : based on installment payments 8 a : a moment, hour, day, or year as indicated by a clock or calendar b : any of various systems (as sidereal or solar) of reckoning time 9 a : one of a series of recurring instances or repeated actions b pl (1) : added or accumulated quantities or instances (2) : equal fractional parts of which an indicated number equal a comparatively greater quantity c : turn 10 : finite as contrasted with infinite duration 11 : a person's experience during a specified period or on a particular occasion 12 a : the hours or days required to be occupied by one's work b : an hourly pay rate c : wages paid at discharge or resignation 13 a : the playing time of a game b : time-out 14 : a period during which something is used or available for use _ at the same time : nevertheless, yet _ at times : at intervals : occasionally _ for the time being : for the present _ from time to time : once in a while : occasionally _ in no time : very quickly or soon _ in time 1 : sufficiently early 2 : eventually 3 : in correct tempo _ on time 1 a : at the appointed time b : on schedule 2 : on the installment plan _ time and again : frequently, repeatedly 2 time vb timed ; timing vt (14c) 1 a : to arrange or set the time of : schedule b : to regulate (a watch) to keep correct time 2 : to set the tempo, speed, or duration of < timed his leap perfectly _Neil Amdur> 3 : to cause to keep time with something 4 : to determine or record the time, duration, or rate of <~ a horse> 5 : to dispose (as a mechanical part) so that an action occurs at a desired instant or in a desired way ~ vi : to keep or beat time 3 time adj (ca. 1711) 1 a : of or relating to time b : recording time 2 : timed to ignite or explode at a specific moment 3 a : payable on a specified future day or a certain length of time after presentation for acceptance <~ deposits> b : based on installment payments