killing time

VERB

waste time

Synonyms

WEAK

amuse oneself consume time fritter away time have leisure idle away time pass the time sit on one's hands summer while away 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.

On the day I visited, Babcock’s businesses were full of people killing time before the evening’s Billie Eilish concert.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

LeBLANC boutique – I was happily surprised when I walked past the LeBLANC boutique in Prince Rupert while just killing time, and I saw a big sign in front indicating they carried plus sizes.

From Salon • Jul. 20, 2025

Mario Garcia and son-in-law Nivardo De La Torre had been killing time while waiting for their wives, police say.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2023

This means you’re going to need something to listen to while killing time in the terminal.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2023

From his expression, or lack of it, he might have been killing time on a railway platform reading a billboard advertisement for Dr. Scholl’s foot pads.

From "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger