: the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins

Examples of showtime in a Sentence

We have five minutes until showtime. Showtime is in five minutes.
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.
Immediately after the initial sellouts and right on up to showtime, the get-in-the-door price for the benches in the back of the Greek hovered in the $800-1,000 range. — Chris Willman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 The rumba is much slower and more controlled than Ezra’s had to do before, which is a challenge at first, but my dude clearly gets the hang of it by showtime. — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026 Each night will feature a different lineup, and final lineups will be announced at or near showtime. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2026 Even if that accident causes serious burns on her body just before showtime. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showtime

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of showtime was in 1893

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Showtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showtime. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

: the scheduled or actual time at which a show or something likened to a show begins
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