A2[S or U]a particular period of time for which something has been happening, or that is needed for something: I enjoyed my course at first, but after a time I got bored with it.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)?Relating to timehave/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.Cancelling and interruptingfor a time›for a short period: For a time, we all thought that Sheila and Frank would get married.Short in timeTemporaryfor some timeB2for a fairly long period of time: I've been doing yoga for some time.for the time beingC1for a limited period: Leave the ironing for the time being - I'll do it later.NowUntil a particular moment
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