airtime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal to Neutral; Common in media, telecommunications, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “airtime” mean?
1) The time during which a radio or television station is broadcasting a program. 2) The amount of mobile phone calling credit or usage available.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1) The time during which a radio or television station is broadcasting a program. 2) The amount of mobile phone calling credit or usage available.
3) Metaphorically, time or opportunity to speak, present an idea, or be the focus of attention, especially in media or public discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. In telecommunications, UK 'pay-as-you-go' (PAYG) and US 'prepaid' plans both use 'airtime'. The figurative use ('give someone airtime') is equally common.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The figurative use can have a slightly negative connotation of 'undeserved attention'.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English for the figurative sense ('media airtime'), but overall frequency is similar.
Grammar
How to Use “airtime” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/gives/gets/uses/buys [airtime][Airtime] runs out/expires[Number] minutes of airtimeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “airtime” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The show was aired at prime time.
- They will air the debate live.
American English
- The network will air the series finale tonight.
- The ad aired during the Super Bowl.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Airtime' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Airtime' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He works in airtime sales for a radio station.
- We discussed the airtime costs.
American English
- The airtime purchase was processed instantly.
- Check your airtime balance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Media companies sell advertising airtime. Telecoms report on airtime revenue.
Academic
Used in media studies to analyze distribution of coverage (e.g., 'candidates' airtime').
Everyday
Primarily used for mobile phone credit: 'I need to buy more airtime.'
Technical
In telecoms, refers to the duration of a connection chargeable to the user.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “airtime”
- Using 'airtime' to mean 'flight duration'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will airtime you' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'airtime' with 'data' or 'internet bundle'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Airtime' traditionally refers to voice call minutes or the credit to make them. 'Data' refers to internet usage. Many modern plans bundle both.
No. The related verb is 'to air' (to broadcast). 'Airtime' is exclusively a noun.
The mobile phone credit meaning is overwhelmingly more common in everyday conversation. The broadcast meaning is standard in media/industry talk.
Generally uncountable (e.g., 'some airtime', 'a lot of airtime'). You can make it countable by specifying a unit (e.g., 'ten minutes of airtime', 'two advertising airtimes').
1) The time during which a radio or television station is broadcasting a program. 2) The amount of mobile phone calling credit or usage available.
Airtime is usually informal to neutral; common in media, telecommunications, and business contexts. in register.
Airtime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə.taɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.taɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give someone/something airtime (figurative)”
- “Airtime is money”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AIR (broadcast over the airwaves) + TIME (duration). For your phone, it's the TIME you can talk on the AIR (network).
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/ATTENTION IS A COMMODITY (that can be bought, sold, used up, and given).
Practice
Quiz
In a media context, what does 'giving an issue airtime' MOST LIKELY mean?