1. Abbr. t., T. a. A nonspatial continuum in which events occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future. b. An interval separating two points on this continuum; a duration: a long time since the last war; passed the time reading. c. A number, as of years, days, or minutes, representing such an interval: ran the course in a time just under four minutes. d. 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. e. A system by which such intervals are measured or such numbers are reckoned: solar time.

2. a. Often times An interval, especially a span of years, marked by similar events, conditions, or phenomena; an era: hard times; a time of troubles. b. times The present with respect to prevailing conditions and trends: You must change with the times.

3. A suitable or opportune moment or season: a time for taking stock of one's life.

4. a. Periods or a period designated for a given activity: harvest time; time for bed. b. Periods or a period necessary or available for a given activity: I have no time for golf. c. A period at one's disposal: Do you have time for a chat?

5. An appointed or fated moment, especially of death or giving birth: He died before his time. Her time is near.

6. a. One of several instances: knocked three times; addressed Congress for the last time before retirement. b. times 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.

7. a. One's lifetime. b. One's period of greatest activity or engagement. c. A person's experience during a specific period or on a certain occasion: had a good time at the party.

8. a. A period of military service. b. A period of apprenticeship. c. Informal. A prison sentence.

9. a. The customary period of work: hired for full time. b. The period spent working. c. The hourly pay rate: earned double time on Sundays.

10. The period during which a radio or television program or commercial is broadcast: "There's television time to buy" (Brad Goldstein).

11. The rate of speed of a measured activity: marching in double time.

12. Music. a. The characteristic beat of musical rhythm: three-quarter time. b. The rate of speed at which a piece of music is played; the tempo.

13. Chiefly British. The hour at which a pub closes.

14. Sports. A time-out.

1. Of, relating to, or measuring time.

2. Constructed so as to operate at a particular moment: a time release.

3. Payable on a future date or dates.

4. Of or relating to installment buying: time payments.

1. To set the time for (an event or occasion).

2. To adjust to keep accurate time.

3. 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.

4. To record the speed or duration of: time a runner.

5. To set or maintain the tempo, speed, or duration of: time a manufacturing process.

1. Simultaneously.

2. At a period or moment in the past.

1. In a reasonable length of time.

2. When or before due.

3. Quickly.

1. Before a time limit expires.

2. Within an indefinite time; eventually: In time they came to accept the harsh facts.

3. Music. In the proper tempo.

1. According to schedule; punctual or punctually.

2. By paying in installments.