central time

noun

variants often Central time
: the time of the sixth time zone west of Greenwich that includes the central U.S. see time zone illustration

Examples of central time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
All times on the map are Central time. William B. Davis, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Fireworks will bring the event to a close, ushering in the new year in Central time. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025 Central time after the crew reported an odor in the cabin. Todd Feurer, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026 Central time, with a live broadcast on ESPN. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for central time

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of central time was in 1883

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Cite this Entry

“Central time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/central%20time. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

central time

noun
often capitalized C
: the time of the 6th time zone west of Greenwich that includes the central U.S.
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