real time

[ree-uhl, reel] / ˈri əl, ril /

NOUN

actual time for action or event

Synonyms

WEAK

actual time problem-solving 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.

Composed as Day’s star rose in real time, the song was a receptacle for all of her conflicting feelings about her newfound attention.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

The metal's impact on geopolitics is already being noted in real time.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Eastern time to ask MarketWatch’s Christine Ji and IBM’s vice president of AI Foundations, David Cox, your AI questions in real time.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Under the new rules, results from polling stations are to be transmitted electronically in real time.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The thought made my stomach turn a bit, and I felt a familiar rush of relief that real time travel was still a long way off.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin