timepass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (primarily in Indian English)Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “timepass” mean?
An activity done to pass the time, often trivial or unproductive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An activity done to pass the time, often trivial or unproductive.
In Indian English, it can refer to casual entertainment, a distraction, or something done for amusement without serious purpose. It can also function as an adjective describing such activities or as a verb meaning 'to pass time idly'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is not standard in British or American English. It is a borrowing and semantic extension from Indian English. British/American speakers would use phrases like 'pastime', 'way to pass the time', or 'time-waster'.
Connotations
In BrE/AmE, if encountered, it would be perceived as a non-standard or foreign term. In Indian English, it is a common, neutral colloquialism.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in native BrE/AmE corpora. Common in Indian English media and conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “timepass” in a Sentence
[It/That] is (just) a timepass.Let's do some timepass.I was timepassing.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “timepass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We were just timepassing by the river, skipping stones.
American English
- He spent the afternoon timepassing, scrolling through his phone.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Would be considered unprofessional.
Academic
Not used in formal writing. Might appear in informal student discourse.
Everyday
Common in informal Indian English conversation to refer to casual activities like watching light TV, browsing social media, or playing casual games.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “timepass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “timepass”
- Using it in formal international contexts.
- Assuming it is a standard global English word.
- Spelling as two words ('time pass') when used as a noun in Indian English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a correct and common word in Indian English. It is not part of the standard lexicon in British, American, or other major native varieties, where it would be seen as a non-standard borrowing.
Yes, in Indian English, the verb 'to timepass' (e.g., 'We were timepassing') is used, though it remains informal. This usage is not found in other English varieties.
'Pastime' is a standard, neutral global English word for a hobby or regular activity done for enjoyment. 'Timepass' is more casual, often implying a temporary, trivial, or less committed activity to fill idle moments.
No. It is an informal, regionally marked term. In international or formal contexts, use standard alternatives like 'diversion', 'distraction', or 'way to pass the time'.
An activity done to pass the time, often trivial or unproductive.
Timepass is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Timepass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪmpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtaɪmpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's neither work nor play, just a timepass.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'passing time' in a casual way. TIME + PASS = TIMEPASS.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE TO BE SPENT (idly).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'timepass' a standard, common word?