minute mark: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal; common in sports commentary, media analysis, and everyday discussion of timed events.
Quick answer
What does “minute mark” mean?
A specific point in time measured in minutes, typically within a timed event or recording.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific point in time measured in minutes, typically within a timed event or recording.
A notable moment or threshold reached after a certain number of minutes have elapsed; often used to indicate progress, achievement, or a significant event within a temporal framework.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Usage is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both; primarily denotes a temporal reference point.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English, particularly in contexts involving sports, films, podcasts, and meetings.
Grammar
How to Use “minute mark” in a Sentence
[Number] + minute markthe + minute markpast/before/after/at + the + [Number] + minute markVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Let's aim to conclude the main presentation by the 15-minute mark."
Academic
"The experiment showed a significant change in results at the 45-minute mark."
Everyday
"The cake should be ready to come out of the oven around the 25-minute mark."
Technical
"The system log indicates a failure occurred precisely at the 02:17:30 minute mark."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “minute mark”
- Using 'minute mark' without a preceding number (e.g., 'We stopped at minute mark' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'mile mark' or 'lap mark' in non-temporal contexts.
- Using the plural 'minutes mark' (incorrect; it's always singular 'minute').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specifically for points measured in whole or partial minutes. For seconds, 'second mark' or 'timestamp' is used.
Yes, 'at minute 30' is a common and acceptable alternative, especially in sports commentary.
No, the standard form is always 'minute mark', even when referring to multiple points (e.g., 'the 10- and 20-minute marks').
Primarily yes, but it can also refer to a point on a pre-recorded timeline (e.g., a film or audio file), not necessarily counting from a live start.
A specific point in time measured in minutes, typically within a timed event or recording.
Minute mark is usually neutral to semi-formal; common in sports commentary, media analysis, and everyday discussion of timed events. in register.
Minute mark: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnɪt mɑːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnɪt mɑːrk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hit the [number]-minute mark”
- “cross the [number]-minute mark”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ruler (a mark) for measuring time in minutes instead of centimetres.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A MEASURABLE PATH (with marks along it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'minute mark' LEAST likely to be used?