time · n
time (HISTORICAL PERIOD)
B2 a period in history
Dictionary examples:
We sat and talked about old times. (17.2)
In times gone by, all crops were harvested by hand. (35.9)
He is widely regarded as one of the best writers of modern/our times. (42.7)
Charles Dickens' novel "A Tale of Two Cities" is set at the time of the French Revolution. (59.4)
In/During medieval times, women thought to be witches were burned at the stake. (66.5)
for the time being
C1 for now but not permanently
Dictionary examples:
I'm living with my parents for the time being. (12.6)
Leave the ironing for the time being - I'll do it later. (28.1)
from time to time
B2 sometimes but not often
Dictionary examples:
From time to time I still think of her. (13.8)
for some time
B2 for a long period of time
Dictionary examples:
I've been doing yoga for some time. (17.3)
about/high time
C1 If it is about time or high time that someone did something, it should have been done sooner or a long time ago.
Dictionary examples:
It's about time the school improved its cafeteria service. (18.7)
It’s high time you got that bad knee looked at by a doctor! (23.8)
time (IN A PLACE)
C1 the time in a particular place
Dictionary examples:
The plane arrives at 2:50, New York time. (59.9)
at times
C1 sometimes
Dictionary examples:
At times, I wish I didn't have to go to school. (17.5)
make time
C1 to leave enough time to do something although you are busy
Dictionary examples:
You have to make time to do your homework. (11.8)
He never made enough time for family life. (20.2)
it's only a matter of time
C1 If you say that it is only a matter of time before something happens, you are sure it will happen but you do not know when.
Dictionary examples:
It's only a matter of time before someone gets into an accident on this road. (25.9)
time after time
C2 again and again on repeated occasions
Dictionary examples:
We’ve been hearing the same news story time after time. (22.9)
take your time
C1 to do something without hurrying
Dictionary examples:
Take your time choosing - there's no hurry. (18.9)
have no time for sb/sth
C2 to have no respect for someone or something
Dictionary examples:
I have no time for people who wont even listen to another point of view. (29.4)
behind the times
C1 not fashionable or modern
Dictionary examples:
Dad's a bit behind the times. (13.5)
give sb a hard time
C2 to criticize someone and make them feel guilty about something they have done
Dictionary examples:
Ever since I missed that catch, the other players have been giving me a hard time. (23.9)
at one time or another
C2 used to talk about an occasion in the past without saying exactly which occasion it was
Dictionary examples:
Most of us have made a similar mistake at one time or another. (28.8)
in no time
C1 very soon
Dictionary examples:
We'll be home in no time. (14.2)
at the best of times
C2 used to show that something is not good when it is the best it can be
Dictionary examples:
He's not exactly patient at the best of times. (22.0)
all the time
A2 continuously
Dictionary examples:
My phone needs charging all the time. Is it eating batteries? (0.0)
My cat meows for food all the time, even after eating! (0.0)
My dad tells dad jokes all the time. I'm laughing and crying! (0.0)
I wish you'd stop criticizing me all the time. (32.3)
time (PARTICULAR POINT)
A1 a particular point in the day or night
Dictionary examples:
What time does the fun start? (0.0)
Is it time for bed? (0.0)
Is it time to eat yet? (0.0)
Is it time for ice cream? (0.0)
Time for a funny dance party! (0.0)
Is it time for silly faces? (0.0)
What time is it? (4.3)
What time do you finish work? (6.8)
"What's the time?" "It's ten o'clock." (9.1)
Aged four, she could already tell the time. (14.8)
Do you know the times of the trains to London? (23.0)
What would be the best time of day for us to deliver the table? (25.3)
Would you like to suggest a time for the meeting? (26.0)
at the same time
B1 If two things happen at the same time, they happen together.
Dictionary examples:
We all yawned at the same time during the boring meeting. The boss wasn't happy! (0.0)
My stomach growled at the same time as my teacher's. We both laughed awkwardly. (0.0)
My phone and doorbell rang at the same time. I panicked and answered the fridge! (0.0)
We arrived at the same time. (23.9)
in a day's/two months', etc. time
B1 a week, two months, etc. from now
Dictionary examples:
In five minutes' time, my homework will do itself... I wish! (0.0)
In a week's time, I'll be a millionaire... in my dreams! (0.0)
In a month's time, my cat will finally learn to bark! (0.0)
I have to go to the doctor again in a month's time. (10.1)
in time
B1 early or at the right time
Dictionary examples:
I woke up in time for my online meeting, but forgot to turn on my camera! (0.0)
She finished her homework in time, but her dog ate it anyway! (0.0)
She finished cooking in time for dinner, but accidentally used salt instead of sugar! (0.0)
We arrived in time to catch the train. (36.1)
time (OCCASION)
A2 an occasion or period, or the experience connected with it
Dictionary examples:
The last time I cooked, I burned water! (0.0)
Each time I clean my room, it gets messy again! (0.0)
Each time I try to save money, sales happen! (0.0)
We were very young at the time. (10.0)
They go swimming three or four times a week. (12.5)
The last time we went to Florida, it rained every day. (14.6)
Did you have a good time at the conference? (15.2)
Every time/Each time I ask you to do something, you always say you're too busy. (17.4)
time (PERIOD)
A2 a particular amount of time
Dictionary examples:
It takes me no time to make mistakes, but forever to fix them. (0.0)
I need less time to fall asleep in class than in bed. (0.0)
I spend more time looking for my glasses than wearing them. (0.0)
It takes a long time to get from Los Angeles to Sydney. (9.7)
I don't know how you find time to do all the things you do. (11.7)
I thought we'd give her a bit more time to get the job done. (17.2)
We'd save time on our trip if we went by train. (28.9)
What do you like doing in your spare/free time? (36.9)
When Paula was ill, I took her some magazines to help her pass the time. (38.7)
It was some time ago that I last heard from her. (38.8)
time (MINUTES/DAYS/YEARS)
A2 Time is what we measure in minutes, hours, days, etc.
Dictionary examples:
It's always snack time when I'm studying. (0.0)
Every time I open a book, I fall asleep. (0.0)
Time flies when you're looking for your phone. (0.0)
He wants to spend more time with his family. (14.2)
She grew more and more fascinated by the subject as time went on/by. (42.3)
If you'd done your work instead of wasting time talking, you'd be finished by now. (44.5)
three/eight/nine, etc. times
B1 used to say how much bigger, better, worse, etc. one thing is than another thing
Dictionary examples:
My grandma types two times faster than me on her smartphone! (0.0)
My dad's jokes are a hundred times less funny than he thinks. (0.0)
The teacher's voice is five times quieter than my rumbling stomach! (0.0)
Ben earns three times more than me. (19.7)
He gets paid nearly three times as much as me. (26.0)
on time
B1 not early or late
Dictionary examples:
The bus was on time today. I think I'm dreaming! (0.0)
My phone dies on time every day, right when I need it most. (0.0)
My alarm clock is always on time, but I never am. (0.0)
I got to school on time. (7.7)
once upon a time
B1 used at the beginning of a story to mean a long time ago
Dictionary examples:
Once upon a time, a lazy dragon ordered pizza delivery to its cave. (0.0)
Once upon a time, a shy vampire started a garlic bread bakery. (0.0)
Once upon a time, a clumsy wizard turned himself into a talking banana. (0.0)
Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess. (27.6)
time (WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS)
B1 a particular point of the day, week, month, year, etc. that is suitable for a particular activity, or at which something is expected to happen
Dictionary examples:
Exam time? More like panic time! Where did I put my lucky pencil? (0.0)
It's pizza time! My stomach has been waiting all day for this moment. (0.0)
Tax return time? I'd rather solve a Rubik's cube with my toes! (0.0)
vacation time (4.2)
party time (7.8)
When would be a good time for me to call you? (10.1)
time (AVAILABLE OR NEEDED)
B1 a number of minutes, hours, days, etc. that is available for something or that is needed for something
Dictionary examples:
I wish I had more time to teach my cat to speak English. (0.0)
Sorry, I don't have time to explain why I'm wearing a banana costume. (0.0)
I need more time to finish this sandwich eating contest! (0.0)
If I have time, I'll call Sam. (10.6)
Have you got time for a quick drink after work? (12.2)
She ran out of time and didn't finish the last question. (14.7)
I'd like to learn to sail, but I haven't the time. (21.0)
I haven't got time to go shopping today. (26.2)
it's time
B1 used to say that something should happen or be done now
Dictionary examples:
It's time to stop blaming your dog for eating your homework. (0.0)
It's time to stop procrastinating and start eating that last cookie! (0.0)
It's time we talked about your addiction to taking selfies with strangers. (0.0)
It's time to leave for work. (7.7)
It's time we got going. (10.0)
OK kids, it's time for bed now. (59.3)