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.

This allowed them to calculate how much heat the fish produce and lose in real time.

From Science Daily • Apr. 18, 2026

To prepare for this summer, the Eastlands have installed a series of water meters that measure river levels and currents in real time and will sound alarms automatically.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

We just don’t have the tools to address this in real time, the way we all experience the crisis.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

For audiences long used to polished TV comedy, the impact felt electric: humour that was not defined by censors but was messy, daring and alive in real time.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

In the doll business, we have a saying: there is real time and there is doll time.

From "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo