pass the time

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You’ve heard of doomscrolling on your phone to pass the time — but what about “doomjobbing” while looking for work?

From MarketWatch • May 15, 2026

It’s to pass the time and to have some fun.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

For example, if you hate your commute to work, try leaving earlier to avoid traffic or play a podcast or audio book to pass the time.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

“I asked what they did to pass the time when they weren’t busy. He laughed and said, ‘Oh, I just keep them working.’”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 28, 2025

It did not help that to pass the time Joe plucked incessantly at a ukulele, singing and whistling the campy tunes that he and his father enjoyed so much.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown