Descriptive of that which is first, most important, or highest in status and degree: When Sylvia went to the butcher's shop, she ordered a prime cut of beef to serve to her guests during the evening meal.

The first or earliest part or time of something: Mary likes to get up in the prime of the day, just as the sun is rising, to go for a jog in the local park.

To prepare, to get ready, to do something beforehand: Jeff, the farmer, had to prime the water pump before it would work efficiently.

Christopher, the tutor, was priming the students in anticipation of the upcoming examinations.

Someone who is believed to be guilty of committing a criminal act: Matilda's cousin is the prime suspect in the robbery of a man who was walking in the park. © ALL rights are reserved.

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The time during the evening when the largest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio: The special program is scheduled to be shown during prime time.

The Olympics is being shown during prime time on many television stations around the world.