# airtime

/ˈɛɹˌtaɪm/ (US) · /ˈeətaɪm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/airtime
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the amount of time a radio or television station spends broadcasting a specific program or advertisement. You use this word when talking about how much space a show gets on the schedule.

For teachers: the period of time allocated to the broadcast of a specific program or advertisement on radio or television. Often used in the plural to refer to the total duration of a show's broadcast.

## Examples

- The show has a lot of airtime on Saturday mornings.
- The network decided to increase the airtime for the new comedy to attract younger viewers.
- Securing significant airtime during the prime evening slot remains the primary challenge for independent producers hoping to compete with the major studios.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.