time
/taɪm/ nounDefinition
HOURS/YEARS ETC [U] › Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, etc.: He wants to spend more time with his family. Time seems to pass so slowly when you're unhappy.
PARTICULAR POINT [C, U] › a particular point in the day or night: What time is it? What time do you leave for school in the mornings? Can you tell me the times of the trains to London, please?
it's time (for/to do sth) › used to say that something should happen or be done now: It's time to get up.
in (good) time › early or at the right time: We arrived in time to catch the train.
on time › not early or late: I got to school on time.
can tell the time › to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clock or watch
PERIOD [no plural] › a period of minutes, hours, years, etc: I lived in Switzerland for a long time. It takes time (= takes a long time) to make friends at a new school.
have time › to have enough time to do something: Do you have time for a cup of coffee? [+ to do sth] I never have time to eat breakfast.
in no time › very soon: We'll be home in no time.
OCCASION [C] › an occasion when something happens: Give me a call the next time you're in Seattle. I can't remember the last time we went away. How many times have you been to Germany?
at the same time › If two things happen at the same time, they happen together: We arrived at the same time.
one/two/six, etc at a time › one/two/six, etc on one occasion: He carried the chairs, three at a time.
time after time › again and again on repeated occasions
all the time › very often: "She's been late twice this week." "It happens all the time." › during the whole of a period of time: He was ill all the time we were in Spain.
three/eight/nine, etc times › used to say how much bigger/better/worse, etc one thing is than another thing: Ben earns three times more than me.
in a day's/two months', etc time › a day/two months, etc from now: I have to go to the doctor again in a month's time.
at times › sometimes: At times, I wish I didn't have to go to school.
for the time being › for now but not permanently: I'm living with my parents for the time being.
IN THE PAST [C] › a period of time in the past: Did you enjoy your time in Japan?
at one time › at a time in the past: At one time, you could drive without taking a driving test.
before sb's time › before someone was born
from time to time › sometimes, but not often: I still see my ex-boyfriend from time to time.
RACE [C] › the amount of time that someone takes in a race: a winning time of three minutes
IN A PLACE [U] › the time in a particular place: The plane arrives at 20.50, New York time.
→ See also half-time → See also local time → See also in the nick of time → See also night-time → See also prime time → See also a race against time/the clock (Definition of time noun from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
© Cambridge University Press)
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