local time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, technical, everyday
Quick answer
What does “local time” mean?
The official time in a particular region or time zone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official time in a particular region or time zone.
The time observed in a specific geographical location, based on its position relative to the prime meridian and often adjusted for daylight saving; informally, the current, conventional time in one's immediate area.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is standard in both varieties. Spelling of 'time' is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral and functional in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical, travel, and everyday contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “local time” in a Sentence
[Verb] + local time (e.g., calculate, set, display)[Preposition] + local time (e.g., at local time, by local time)[Adjective] + local time (e.g., current, official, exact)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “local time” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The local time display was an hour behind.
American English
- Make sure you have the local time settings correct.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for scheduling international calls, deadlines, and market openings: 'The report is due by 5 PM local time at the headquarters.'
Academic
Used in astronomy, geography, and history to specify temporal context: 'The experiment was conducted at 14:00 local time.'
Everyday
Used in travel, planning, and conversation: 'What's the local time in Tokyo right now?'
Technical
Precise term in computing, telecommunications, and navigation: 'The log files are timestamped in the server's local time.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “local time”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “local time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “local time”
- Omitting 'local' when contrast is needed (e.g., 'We land at 10:00' vs. 'We land at 10:00 local time').
- Incorrectly capitalising it as a proper noun (e.g., 'Local Time').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Only if your watch is correctly set to the official time of your current location. 'Local time' refers to the official regional time, not necessarily your personal device's setting.
Solar time is based directly on the sun's position (noon is when the sun is highest). Local (civil) time is a human-made standard averaged over a time zone, often offset from solar time and sometimes adjusted for daylight saving.
It removes ambiguity. Saying 'The event starts at 8' is unclear if that's 8 in your home time zone or the event's location. 'Starts at 8 local time' means 8 in the event's city.
Computers often store and process time in a standard like UTC but display it converted to the user's set local time based on their time zone preference.
The official time in a particular region or time zone.
Local time is usually formal, technical, everyday in register.
Local time: in British English it is pronounced /ˌləʊkl ˈtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌloʊkl ˈtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Running on local time (informal: being adjusted to the current time zone after jet lag).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LOCation + TIME' = LOCAL TIME. The time specific to your location.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LOCAL PRODUCT (different places produce/manage their own time).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'local time' primarily refer to?