WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
keep /kip/USA pronunciation   v., kept, keep•ing, n. 
v. 
  1. to hold or cause to remain in one's possession:[+ object]kept the change from a ten-dollar bill.
  2. to hold or cause to remain in a given place;
    put or store:[+ object]I keep the car in the garage.
  3. to (cause to) continue or stay in a certain position, state, course, condition, or action: [+ object + verb-ing]to keep a light burning.[+ verb-ing]I kept trying to reach her by phone.[~ (+ object) + adjective]Keep the children quiet during the ceremony.[+ object + verb-ed/-en]You have to keep your lawn mowed in that neighborhood.[+ object]vowed to keep his silence.
  4. to maintain or cause to stay fresh or in usable or edible condition;
    (cause to) be preserved: [+ object]to keep meat by freezing it.[no object]How long will this meat keep in hot weather?
  5. to cause to stay or remain in a particular place;
    detain:[+ object]They kept me in prison for days.
  6. to remain in (a place, spot, etc.);
    stay: [+ object]Please keep your seats.[no object]Keep off the grass.
  7. to have readily available for use or sale:[+ object]to keep machine parts in stock.
  8. to maintain in one's service or for one's use:[+ object]She can no longer afford to keep a car and a driver.
  9. to associate with:[+ object]to keep bad company.
  10. to (cause to) be held back from disclosing: [+ object]keeping secrets.[no object]The rest of the story will have to keep until the next time.
  11. to withhold, as from use;
    reserve;
    save:[+ object]to keep the best wine for guests.
  12. to restrain or prevent, as from an action: [+ object + from + verb-ing]to keep the warmth from escaping.[+ oneself + from + verb-ing]couldn't keep herself from smiling.[+ from + verb-ing]Can you keep from smiling?
  13. to control;
    maintain:[+ object]police officers keeping the peace.
  14. to maintain by writing;
    to record regularly:[+ object]to keep a diary.
  15. to observe;
    obey or fulfill:[+ object]She always keeps her promises.
  16. to observe (a season, festival, etc.) with formalities or rites:[+ object]to keep Christmas.
  17. to maintain;
    manage:[+ object]to keep a small grocery store.
  18. to guard;
    protect:[+ object]He kept her from harm.
  19. to maintain or support:[+ object]Can you keep a family on those wages?
  20. to maintain one's position in or on:[+ object]to keep a job.
  21. to continue to follow a path, course, etc.:[no object]Keep on this road; keep left.
  22. keep at, to (cause to) continue (working, etc.);
    persevere in: [+ at + object]She just kept at the task.[+ object + at + object]The boss kept us at it all night.
  23. keep back:
    • to hold in check;
      restrain: [+ object + back]The police kept the crowd back.[+ back + object]They kept back the crowd.
    • [no object] to stay away from:The firefighters at first kept back from the fire.
    • to withhold;
      not to tell: [+ object + back]Don't keep any information back.[+ back + object]She's keeping back the news from us.
  24. keep down:
    • to maintain at an acceptable level;
      control: [+ object + down]The store kept the temperature down.[+ down + object]They kept down the temperature.
    • to prevent from advancing or flourishing: [+ object + down]It's hard to keep a good person down.[+ down + object]The company shouldn't keep down dedicated workers.
    • to avoid vomiting (food): [+ down + object]The patient managed to keep down the meal.[+ object + down]wondered if he could keep it down.
  25. keep on, [+ on + verb-ing] to continue;
    persist:The train kept right on going.
  26. keep to, [+ to + object]
    • to obey;
      conform to;
      go along with:to keep to the rules.
    • to confine oneself to:to keep to one's bed.
  27. keep up:
    • [+ up + with + object] to perform as swiftly or successfully as others:She easily kept up with the rest of the runners.
    • to persevere;
      continue: [+ up + object]kept up a continuous groaning.[+ up (+ with) + object]kept up (with) the payments; told her to keep up the good work.[no object]How long will that horrible music keep up?
    • [+ up + object] to maintain in good condition or repair:He liked to keep up old cars.
    • [+ up + with + object] to stay informed:He kept up with all the latest sports events.

n. [countable]
  1. the cost of food and a place to live or stay;
    subsistence;
    support:[usually singular]had to work for his keep.
  2. the innermost and strongest structure or central tower of a medieval castle;
    dungeon.
Idioms
  1. Idioms for keeps:
    • , Idiomswith the understanding that winnings are retained by the winner:playing poker for keeps.
    • with serious intent or purpose:We're all in this effort for keeps.
    • permanently;
      forever.
  2. Idioms keep to oneself:
    • to remain apart from the society of others.
    • [+ object + to + oneself] to hold (something) as secret or not to be told to another:You can't keep that information to yourself any longer.[+ to + oneself + object]Keep to yourself any information you receive.


WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
time /taɪm/USA pronunciation   n., adj., v., timed, tim•ing. 
n. 
  1. the system in which events follow from one to another;
    the passing of minutes, hours, days, or years:[uncountable]Einstein's conception of time.
  2. Time a system of measuring the passage of time:[uncountable* sometimes: Time]six o'clock Greenwich Mean Time.
  3. a limited period, as between two events:[countable* often: a + singular]a long time.
  4. a particular period:[countable]Youth is the best time of life.
  5. Often, times. [plural]
    • a period in history, esp. one existing over the same years as (the life of) a famous person: [countable]prehistoric times.[uncountable]in Lincoln's time.
    • [countable] the current period of months, years, etc., or the period just passed:It's a sign of the times.
    • [countable] a period identified with reference to its conditions:hard times.
  6. the end of a period, as of one's life or a pregnancy:[uncountable]His time had come (= He would die shortly). When her time came, she delivered twins.
  7. a period experienced in a particular way:[countable]Have a good time.
  8. a period of work of an employee, or the pay for it:[uncountable]He's put in his time at the job.
  9. Informal Termsa term of forced duty or imprisonment or jail:[uncountable]had to do time for her crime.
  10. the period necessary for something:[uncountable]The bus takes too much time, so I'll take a plane.
  11. leisure or spare time:[uncountable]I hope to take some time (= for vacation) in August.
  12. a definite point in time, as indicated by a clock: [uncountable]breakfast time.[countable]at evening times.
  13. a special or agreed-on instant or period:[countable]There is a time for everything.
  14. the particular time when an event is scheduled to take place: [uncountable]Curtain time is at 8.[countable]Departure times have been pushed back.
  15. an indefinite period into the future:[uncountable]Time will tell.
  16. each occasion of a repeated action:[countable]to do something five times.
  17. times, [plural] the number of instances a quantity or factor are taken together:Two goes into six three times.
  18. Music and Dance[uncountable]
    • tempo;
      the speed of movement in a piece of music, or its characteristic meter or rhythm.
    • proper rhythm or tempo:The drummer couldn't keep time.Seekeep time below.
  19. Military rate of marching, counted by the number of steps taken per minute:[uncountable]double time.

adj. [before a noun]
  1. of or relating to the passage of time.
  2. (of an explosive device) containing a clock so that it will explode at the desired moment:a time bomb.
  3. of or relating to an installment plan of paying:time payments.

v. [+ object]
  1. to measure or record the speed or rate of:The judges timed the race.
  2. to fix how long (something) should be:She timed the test at 15 minutes.
  3. Timeto fix the interval between (actions, etc.):They timed their strokes at six per minute.
  4. Timeto regulate (a train, etc.) as to time.
  5. to choose the moment or occasion for;
    schedule:He timed the attack perfectly.
Idioms
  1. Idioms against time, in an effort to finish within a limited period:The advertising team was working against time to finish the project.
  2. ahead of one's time, in advance of others in one's thinking, etc.:Those ancient astronomers were way ahead of their time.
  3. ahead of time, before the time due;
    early:arrived ahead of time and had to wait.
  4. Idioms at one time:
    • once;
      formerly:At one time she was the chairman of the board.
    • at the same time;
      simultaneously:He was at one time chairman of the board and president of the company.
  5. Idioms at the same time, nevertheless;
    yet:He's young; at the same time, he's quite responsible.
  6. Idioms at times, occasionally:The car seems to stall at times.
  7. Idioms behind the times, old-fashioned;
    out-of-date;
    dated:She complained that her parents were behind the times.
  8. Idioms for the time being, temporarily;
    for the present;
    for a while:For the time being we'll let you stay on the job.
  9. Idioms from time to time, occasionally;
    at different periods:From time to time she'd let me watch as she painted.
  10. Idioms gain time, to achieve a delay or postponement:He tried to gain time by putting off the signing of the papers.
  11. Idioms in good time:
    • in advance of the appointed time;
      punctually:We arrived there in good time.
    • at the best or appropriate time:"When can we open the presents?'' —"All in good time.''
  12. Idioms in no time, in a very brief time:In no time she was at the door, ready to go.
  13. Idioms in time:
    • early enough:Come in time for dinner.
    • in the future;
      eventually:In time he'll understand.
    • in the correct rhythm or tempo:The drummer isn't in time.
  14. Idioms keep time:
    • to record time, as a watch does:Does your watch keep good time?
    • to mark or observe the correct tempo, as by performing rhythmic movements.
  15. Idioms kill time, to occupy oneself with some activity to make time pass more quickly:killed time by watching TV.
  16. Idioms make time, to move or travel quickly:We made very good time on the highway.
  17. Idioms mark time:
    • to slow one's progress for a while;
      fail to advance:The company was just marking time, but its competitors were forging ahead.
    • Militaryto move the feet as in marching, but without advancing or moving forward.
  18. Idioms on one's own time, during one's free time;
    while not being paid.
  19. Idioms on time:
    • at the specified time:For once the train was on time.
    • to be paid for within a designated period of time, as in installments.
  20. Idioms take one's time, to act without hurry.
  21. Idioms the time of one's life, a very enjoyable experience:We had the time of our lives at the seashore.
  22. Idioms time after time, again and again;
    repeatedly:Time after time he'd try to get over the wall.
  23. Idioms time and (time) again, repeatedly;
    often.

tim•er, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
keep  (kēp),USA pronunciation v., kept, keep•ing, n. 
v.t. 
  1. to hold or retain in one's possession;
    hold as one's own:If you like it, keep it. Keep the change.
  2. to hold or have the use of for a period of time:You can keep it for the summer.
  3. to hold in a given place;
    store:You can keep your things in here.
  4. to maintain (some action), esp. in accordance with specific requirements, a promise, etc.:to keep watch; to keep step.
  5. to cause to continue in a given position, state, course, or action:to keep a light burning; to keep a child happy.
  6. to maintain in condition or order, as by care and labor:He keeps his car in good condition.
  7. to maintain in usable or edible condition;
    preserve:If you want to keep meat for a long time, freeze it.
  8. to hold in custody or under guard, as a prisoner:They kept him in jail.
  9. to cause to stay in a particular place;
    prevent or restrain from departure:The work kept her at the office.
  10. to have regularly in stock and for sale:to keep a large supply of machine parts.
  11. to maintain in one's service or for one's use or enjoyment:to keep a car and chauffeur.
  12. to associate with:She keeps bad company.
  13. to have the care, charge, or custody of:She keeps my dog when I travel.
  14. to refrain from disclosing;
    withhold from the knowledge of others:to keep a secret.
  15. to withhold from use;
    reserve;
    save:I'll keep this toy until you learn to behave. Keep the good wine for company.
  16. to hold back or restrain:They kept the child from talking. Nothing can keep him from doing it.
  17. to maintain control of;
    regulate:to keep the peace; to keep your temper.
  18. to maintain by writing:to keep a diary.
  19. to record (business transactions, daily occurrences, etc.) regularly:to keep records; to keep a list of visitors.
  20. to observe;
    pay obedient regard to (a law, rule, promise, etc.).
  21. to conform to;
    follow;
    fulfill:to keep one's word.
  22. to observe (a season, festival, etc.) with formalities or rites:to keep Christmas.
  23. to maintain or carry on, as an establishment, business, etc.;
    manage.
  24. to guard;
    protect:He kept her from harm.
  25. to maintain or support:It costs more each year to keep a house.
  26. to support or contribute to the support of in return for sexual or other favors.
  27. to take care of;
    tend:to keep a vegetable garden.
  28. Agricultureto raise (livestock):These farmers keep goats and cattle.
  29. to remain in (a place, spot, etc.):Please keep your seats.
  30. to maintain one's position in or on:He kept the job.
  31. to continue to follow (a path, track, course, etc.).
  32. to maintain in active existence, as an assembly, court, or fair.

v.i. 
  1. to continue in an action, course, position, state, etc.:to keep in sight; to keep going.
  2. to remain, or continue to be, as specified:to keep cool.
  3. to remain or stay in a particular place:to keep indoors.
  4. to continue unimpaired or without spoiling:The food will keep on ice.
  5. to admit of being reserved for a future occasion:I have more to tell you, but it will keep.
  6. to keep oneself or itself as specified (fol. by away, back, off, out, etc.):Keep off the grass.
  7. to restrain oneself;
    refrain (usually fol. by from):Try to keep from smiling.
  8. keep at, to persist in;
    be steadfast:You'll never master your French unless you keep at it.
  9. keep back:
    • to hold in check;
      restrain:The dikes kept back the floodwaters.
    • to stay away from:The crowds would not keep back from the barrier.
    • to refuse to reveal:The prisoner was keeping back vital information.
  10. Business keep books, to maintain financial records.
  11. keep down:
    • to hold under control or at a reduced or acceptable level:to keep your voice down.
    • to prevent from going up or increasing:to keep prices down.
  12. keep in with, to stay in someone's favor;
    be on good terms with:They are social climbers who make certain to keep in with all the right people.
  13. keep on, to continue;
    persist:If you keep on singing they'll ask you to leave.
  14. Idioms keep tab or tabs on. See tab 1 (def. 11).
  15. keep time. See time (def. 40).
  16. keep to:
    • to adhere to;
      conform to:She keeps to the rules.
    • to confine oneself to:to keep to one's bed.
  17. Idioms keep to oneself:
    • to remain aloof from the society of others.
    • to hold (something) as secret or confidential:I'll tell you only if you promise to keep it to yourself.
  18. Idioms keep track of. See track (def. 22).
  19. keep up:
    • to maintain an equal rate of speed, activity, or progress with another or others.
    • to persevere;
      continue.
    • to maintain the good condition of;
      keep in repair.
    • Also, keep up on or with. to stay informed:to keep up on current events.
    • to match one's friends, neighbors, business associates, etc., in success, affluence, etc.

n. 
  1. board and lodging;
    subsistence;
    support:to work for one's keep.
  2. the innermost and strongest structure or central tower of a medieval castle.
  3. Games keeps, (used with a sing. v.) a game of marbles in which the players keep the marbles they have won.
  4. Idioms for keeps, [Informal.]
    • under the stipulation that one keeps one's winnings.
    • with serious intent or purpose.
    • finally;
      permanently:They decided to settle the argument for keeps.
  • bef. 1000; Middle English kepen, Old English cēpan to observe, heed, watch, await, take; perh. akin to Old English gecōp proper, fitting, capian to look, Old Norse kōpa to stare
keepa•ble, adj. 
keep′a•bili•ty, n. 
    • 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged Keep, reserve, retain, withhold refer to having and holding in possession.
      Keep (a common word) and retain (a more formal one) agree in meaning to continue to have or hold, as opposed to losing, parting with, or giving up:to keep a book for a week.To reserve is to keep for some future use, occasion, or recipient, or to hold back for a time:to reserve judgment.To withhold is generally to hold back altogether:to withhold help.
    • 6.See corresponding entry in Unabridged preserve.
    • 8.See corresponding entry in Unabridged detain, confine.
    • 53.See corresponding entry in Unabridged donjon, dungeon, stronghold.
    • 8.See corresponding entry in Unabridged release.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
time  (tīm),USA pronunciation n., adj., v., timed, tim•ing. 
n. 
  1. the system of those sequential relations that any event has to any other, as past, present, or future;
    indefinite and continuous duration regarded as that in which events succeed one another.
  2. duration regarded as belonging to the present life as distinct from the life to come or from eternity;
    finite duration.
  3. Time(sometimes cap.) a system or method of measuring or reckoning the passage of time:mean time;apparent time;Greenwich Time.
  4. a limited period or interval, as between two successive events:a long time.
  5. a particular period considered as distinct from other periods:Youth is the best time of life.
  6. Often, times. 
    • a period in the history of the world, or contemporary with the life or activities of a notable person:prehistoric times; in Lincoln's time.
    • the period or era now or previously present:a sign of the times; How times have changed!
    • a period considered with reference to its events or prevailing conditions, tendencies, ideas, etc.:hard times; a time of war.
  7. a prescribed or allotted period, as of one's life, for payment of a debt, etc.
  8. the end of a prescribed or allotted period, as of one's life or a pregnancy:His time had come, but there was no one left to mourn over him. When her time came, her husband accompanied her to the delivery room.
  9. a period with reference to personal experience of a specified kind:to have a good time; a hot time in the old town tonight.
  10. a period of work of an employee, or the pay for it;
    working hours or days or an hourly or daily pay rate.
  11. Informal Termsa term of enforced duty or imprisonment:to serve time in the army; do time in prison.
  12. the period necessary for or occupied by something:The time of the baseball game was two hours and two minutes. The bus takes too much time, so I'll take a plane.
  13. leisure time;
    sufficient or spare time:to have time for a vacation; I have no time to stop now.
  14. a particular or definite point in time, as indicated by a clock:What time is it?
  15. a particular part of a year, day, etc.;
    season or period:It's time for lunch.
  16. an appointed, fit, due, or proper instant or period:a time for sowing;the time when the sun crosses the meridian;There is a time for everything.
  17. the particular point in time when an event is scheduled to take place:train time; curtain time.
  18. an indefinite, frequently prolonged period or duration in the future:Time will tell if what we have done here today was right.
  19. the right occasion or opportunity:to watch one's time.
  20. each occasion of a recurring action or event:to do a thing five times; It's the pitcher's time at bat.
  21. times, used as a multiplicative word in phrasal combinations expressing how many instances of a quantity or factor are taken together:Two goes into six three times; five times faster.
  22. Literature[Drama.]one of the three unities. Cf. unity (def. 8).
  23. Poetry[Pros.]a unit or a group of units in the measurement of meter.
  24. Music and Dance
    • tempo;
      relative rapidity of movement.
    • the metrical duration of a note or rest.
    • proper or characteristic tempo.
    • the general movement of a particular kind of musical composition with reference to its rhythm, metrical structure, and tempo.
    • the movement of a dance or the like to music so arranged:waltz time.
  25. Militaryrate of marching, calculated on the number of paces taken per minute:double time; quick time.
  26. Sport[Manège.]each completed action or movement of the horse.
  27. against time, in an effort to finish something within a limited period:We worked against time to get out the newspaper.
  28. ahead of time, before the time due;
    early:The building was completed ahead of time.
  29. at one time:
    • once;
      in a former time:At one time they owned a restaurant.
    • at the same time;
      at once:They all tried to talk at one time.
  30. at the same time, nevertheless;
    yet:I'd like to try it, but at the same time I'm a little afraid.
  31. at times, at intervals;
    occasionally:At times the city becomes intolerable.
  32. beat someone's time, [Slang.]to compete for or win a person being dated or courted by another;
    prevail over a rival:He accused me, his own brother, of trying to beat his time.
  33. behind the times, old-fashioned;
    dated:These attitudes are behind the times.
  34. for the time being, temporarily;
    for the present:Let's forget about it for the time being.
  35. from time to time, on occasion;
    occasionally;
    at intervals:She comes to see us from time to time.
  36. gain time, to postpone in order to make preparations or gain an advantage;
    delay the outcome of:He hoped to gain time by putting off signing the papers for a few days more.
  37. in good time:
    • at the right time;
      on time;
      punctually.
    • in advance of the right time;
      early:We arrived at the appointed spot in good time.
  38. in no time, in a very brief time;
    almost at once:Working together, they cleaned the entire house in no time.
  39. in time:
    • early enough:to come in time for dinner.
    • in the future;
      eventually:In time he'll see what is right.
    • in the correct rhythm or tempo:There would always be at least one child who couldn't play in time with the music.
  40. keep time:
    • to record time, as a watch or clock does.
    • to mark or observe the tempo.
    • to perform rhythmic movements in unison.
  41. kill time, to occupy oneself with some activity to make time pass quickly:While I was waiting, I killed time counting the cars on the freight trains.
  42. make time:
    • to move quickly, esp. in an attempt to recover lost time.
    • to travel at a particular speed.
  43. make time with, [Slang.]to pursue or take as a sexual partner.
  44. many a time, again and again;
    frequently:Many a time they didn't have enough to eat and went to bed hungry.
  45. mark time:
    • to suspend progress temporarily, as to await developments;
      fail to advance.
    • Militaryto move the feet alternately as in marching, but without advancing.
  46. on one's own time, during one's free time;
    without payment:He worked out more efficient production methods on his own time.
  47. on time:
    • at the specified time;
      punctually.
    • to be paid for within a designated period of time, as in installments:Many people are never out of debt because they buy everything on time.
  48. out of time, not in the proper rhythm:His singing was out of time with the music.
  49. pass the time of day, to converse briefly with or greet someone:The women would stop in the market to pass the time of day.
  50. take one's time, to be slow or leisurely;
    dawdle:Speed was important here, but he just took his time.
  51. time after time, again and again;
    repeatedly;
    often:I've told him time after time not to slam the door.
  52. time and time again, repeatedly;
    often:Time and time again I warned her to stop smoking.Also, time and again. 
  53. time of life, (one's) age:At your time of life you must be careful not to overdo things.
  54. time of one's life, [Informal.]an extremely enjoyable experience:They had the time of their lives on their trip to Europe.

adj. 
  1. of, pertaining to, or showing the passage of time.
  2. (of an explosive device) containing a clock so that it will detonate at the desired moment:a time bomb.
  3. Business[Com.]payable at a stated period of time after presentment:time drafts or notes.
  4. of or pertaining to purchases on the installment plan, or with payment postponed.

v.t. 
  1. to measure or record the speed, duration, or rate of:to time a race.
  2. to fix the duration of:The proctor timed the test at 15 minutes.
  3. Timeto fix the interval between (actions, events, etc.):They timed their strokes at six per minute.
  4. Timeto regulate (a train, clock, etc.) as to time.
  5. to appoint or choose the moment or occasion for;
    schedule:He timed the attack perfectly.

v.i. 
  1. to keep time;
    sound or move in unison.
  • bef. 900; (noun, nominal) Middle English; Old English tīma; cognate with Old Norse tīmi; (verb, verbal) Middle English timen to arrange a time, derivative of the noun, nominal; akin to tide1
    • 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged term, spell, span.
    • 6.See corresponding entry in Unabridged epoch, era.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
keep / kiːp/ (keeps, keeping, kept / kɛpt/)
  1. (transitive) to have or retain possession of
  2. (transitive) to have temporary possession or charge of: keep my watch for me during the game
  3. (transitive) to store in a customary place: I keep my books in the desk
  4. to remain or cause to remain in a specified state or condition: keep the dog quiet, keep ready
  5. to continue or cause to continue: keep the beat, keep in step
  6. (transitive) to have or take charge or care of: keep the shop for me till I return
  7. (transitive) to look after or maintain for use, pleasure, etc: to keep chickens, keep two cars
  8. (transitive) to provide for the upkeep or livelihood of
  9. (transitive) to support financially, esp in return for sexual favours
  10. to confine or detain or be confined or detained
  11. to withhold or reserve or admit of withholding or reserving: your news will keep till later
  12. (transitive) to refrain from divulging or violating: to keep a secret, keep one's word
  13. to preserve or admit of preservation
  14. (transitive) sometimes followed by up: to observe with due rites or ceremonies
  15. (transitive) to maintain by writing regular records in: to keep a diary
  16. when intr, followed by in, on, to, etc: to stay in, on, or at (a place or position): please keep your seats, keep to the path
  17. (transitive) to associate with (esp in the phrase keep bad company)
  18. (transitive) to maintain in existence: to keep court in the palace
  19. (transitive) to have habitually in stock: this shop keeps all kinds of wool
  20. how are you keeping? how are you?
  21. keep track of
    See track15
  22. keep time
    See time42
  1. living or support
  2. charge or care
  3. Also called: dungeon, donjon the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress
Etymology: Old English cēpan to observe; compare Old Saxon kapōn to look, Old Norse kōpa to stare
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
time / taɪm/
  1. the continuous passage of existence in which events pass from a state of potentiality in the future, through the present, to a state of finality in the past
  2. a quantity measuring duration, usually with reference to a periodic process such as the rotation of the earth or the vibration of electromagnetic radiation emitted from certain atoms. In classical mechanics, time is absolute in the sense that the time of an event is independent of the observer. According to the theory of relativity it depends on the observer's frame of reference. Time is considered as a fourth coordinate required, along with three spatial coordinates, to specify an event
    See second21, space-time
  3. a specific point on this continuum expressed in terms of hours and minutes: the time is four o'clock
  4. a system of reckoning for expressing time: Greenwich mean time
  5. a definite and measurable portion of this continuum
  6. (as modifier): time limit
  7. an accepted period such as a day, season, etc
  8. (in combination): springtime
  9. an unspecified interval; a while
  10. (often plural) a period or point marked by specific attributes or events: the Victorian times, time for breakfast
  11. a sufficient interval or period: have you got time to help me?
  12. an instance or occasion: I called you three times
  13. an occasion or period of specified quality: have a good time, a miserable time
  14. the duration of human existence
  15. the heyday of human life: in her time she was a great star
  16. a suitable period or moment: it's time I told you
  17. the expected interval in which something is done
  18. a particularly important moment, esp childbirth or death: her time had come
  19. (plural) indicating a degree or amount calculated by multiplication with the number specified: ten times three is thirty, he earns four times as much as me
  20. (often plural) the fashions, thought, etc, of the present age (esp in the phrases ahead of one's time, behind the times)
  21. a term in jail (esp in the phrase do time)
  22. a customary or full period of work
  23. the rate of pay for this period
  24. Also (esp US): metre the system of combining beats or pulses in music into successive groupings by which the rhythm of the music is established
  25. a specific system having a specific number of beats in each grouping or bar: duple time
  26. short for time value
  27. against time in an effort to complete something in a limited period
  28. ahead of time before the deadline
  29. at one time once; formerly
  30. simultaneously
  31. at the same time simultaneously
  32. nevertheless; however
  33. at times sometimes
  34. beat time (of a conductor, etc) to indicate the tempo or pulse of a piece of music by waving a baton or a hand, tapping out the beats, etc
  35. for the time being for the moment; temporarily
  36. from time to time at intervals; occasionally
  37. gain time
    See gain19
  38. have no time for to have no patience with; not tolerate
  39. in good time early
  40. quickly
  41. in no time very quickly; almost instantaneously
  42. in one's own time outside paid working hours
  43. at one's own rate
  44. in time early or at the appointed time
  45. eventually
  46. at a correct metrical or rhythmic pulse
  47. keep time to observe correctly the accent or rhythmic pulse of a piece of music in relation to tempo
  48. make time to find an opportunity
  49. (often followed by with) to succeed in seducing
  50. See mark135
  51. on time at the expected or scheduled time
  52. payable in instalments
  53. pass the time of day to exchange casual greetings (with an acquaintance)
  54. time and again frequently
  55. time off a period when one is absent from work for a holiday, through sickness, etc
  56. time on an additional period played at the end of a match, to compensate for time lost through injury or (in certain circumstances) to allow the teams to achieve a conclusive result
  57. time out of mind from time immemorial
  58. time of one's life a memorably enjoyable time
  59. (modifier) operating automatically at or for a set time, for security or convenience: time lock, time switch
(transitive)
  1. to ascertain or calculate the duration or speed of
  2. to set a time for
  3. to adjust to keep accurate time
  4. to pick a suitable time for
  5. to control the execution or speed of (an action, esp a shot or stroke) so that it has its full effect at the right moment
  1. the word called out by a publican signalling that it is closing time
Etymology: Old English tīma; related to Old English tīd time, Old Norse tīmi, Alemannic zīme; see tide1
'keep time' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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