showtime: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes specialized (entertainment industry).
Quick answer
What does “showtime” mean?
The scheduled time for the start of a public performance or entertainment event, especially in theatre, film, or television.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scheduled time for the start of a public performance or entertainment event, especially in theatre, film, or television.
A period when action, activity, or performance begins; a moment when someone is expected to perform or demonstrate their ability. Informally, it can also refer to the start of something exciting or the main event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The word is used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly associated with American entertainment culture (Broadway, Hollywood). In the UK, it may carry a slightly more 'Americanised' or theatrical flair.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its prominence in film and television industry jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “showtime” in a Sentence
Showtime is at 8 PM.What's the showtime for the film?It's showtime!We have a 7:30 showtime.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “showtime” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The showtime schedule is posted in the lobby.
- He had a showtime mentality before the big match.
American English
- Check the showtime listings in the paper.
- Her showtime energy was contagious.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally; can be used metaphorically for a product launch or major presentation ('The investors arrive at ten—showtime!').
Academic
Very rare, except in studies of media, theatre, or performance.
Everyday
Used when discussing cinema, theatre, or TV schedules. Also used metaphorically for starting any significant personal task.
Technical
Standard term in entertainment industry scheduling and broadcasting.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “showtime”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “showtime”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “showtime”
- Using it to mean 'duration of the show' (incorrect). Using it as a verb (e.g., 'We will showtime at eight').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'showtime' is not standardly used as a verb. It is a noun (and sometimes an interjection).
It is standardly written as one word: 'showtime'.
'Showtime' is when a performance *starts*. 'Runtime' is how *long* the performance lasts.
Yes, but only informally and metaphorically, to add dramatic flair meaning 'time to perform/impress'.
The scheduled time for the start of a public performance or entertainment event, especially in theatre, film, or television.
Showtime is usually informal, sometimes specialized (entertainment industry). in register.
Showtime: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's showtime!”
- “Lights, camera, action! (related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHOW + TIME. Think of the TIME when the SHOW begins.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/EVENTS ARE PERFORMANCES ('It's showtime for the new project').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'showtime' used metaphorically?