time
Ongoing passing of moments
The way we measure how things happen from the past to now and into the future.
[something] takes [amount of] time
- Time seemed to pass slowly during the long meeting.
- We measure time in seconds, minutes, and hours.
- Time moves forward whether we like it or not.
- Time goes fast when you are happy.
- We use a clock to tell the time.
- Time passes every day.
Specific point or period
A certain moment when something happens.
at [a/the] time
- We met for the first time in 2010.
- This is not the right time to talk about it.
- At the time, I didn’t understand what she meant.
- I saw her for the first time yesterday.
- It is time to go home.
- We met at that time last year.
Planned period for activity
The planned part of the day when something will happen.
[someone] has a time for [activity]
- Our meeting time is 3 p.m. on Monday.
- The train arrival time is posted on the board.
- She booked a time for her haircut next week.
- The bus time is 8 o'clock.
- My class time is in the morning.
- We have a set time for lunch.
Occasion or experience period
A special period in life when something happens to you.
have a [adjective] time
- We had a great time at the party.
- He went through a difficult time after losing his job.
- That was the best time of my life.
- I had a good time with my friends.
- She had a hard time at work.
- It was a fun time for us.
Measure how long something takes
To check how long something takes using a clock or timer.
to time [something/someone]
- They timed the runners with a stopwatch.
- I timed how long it took to boil the pasta.
- Can you time my speech for me?
- Please time my run.
- We timed the game.
- He timed how long I spoke.
- Base: time
- Plural: time, times
- Base: time
- 3rd Person Singular: times
- Present Participle: timing
- Past: timed
in time
1Before it’s too late
Soon enough to be successful or avoid being late.
- We got to the airport just in time for our flight.
- He finished his project in time to submit it.
run out of time
1Have no more available duration
To have no more minutes or hours left to finish something.
- We ran out of time before we could finish the test.
- They ran out of time to complete the project.
take your time
1Do without hurrying
Do something slowly and carefully without hurry.
- Take your time reading the contract before you sign it.
- No need to rush—take your time.
kill time
1Do something to pass time while waiting
Do something so that time passes while you wait for something else.
- We went for coffee to kill time before the concert.
- She read a magazine to kill time at the airport.
kill time
2Do things while waiting
To do something not important while you wait for another event.
- We played cards to kill time before dinner.
- He read a magazine to kill some time at the airport.
on time
1At the scheduled moment
At exactly the planned or right moment; not late.
- The train arrived on time despite the rain.
- She always pays her bills on time.
on time
2happening as planned or scheduled
At the planned or correct time; not late.
- The train arrived on time.
- Please be on time for the meeting.