part time

¹

[ pahrt tahym ]

noun

1. a period of time that is less than full time: : PT, P/T Compare full time ( def ).

   Thirty-five hours a week is still considered part time.

part-time

²

[ adjective pahrt-tahym; adverb pahrt-tahym ]

adjective

1. employed, functioning, or working less than the customary or requisite number of hours:

   They had only enough money to hire a part-time clerk.

2. lasting, requiring, or being in force only a part of the time:

   part-time employment;

   part-time jobs.

adverb

1. on a part-time basis:

   to work part-time.

part-time

adjective

1. for less than the entire time appropriate to an activity

   a part-time waitress

   a part-time job

adverb

1. on a part-time basis

   he works part time

Derived Forms

• ˌpart-ˈtimer, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of part time¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Origin of part time²

First recorded in 1890–95; adjective, adverb use of part time

Example Sentences

An injury a few years ago made it so that he is only able to work part time.

From Los Angeles Times

According to census figures, 44% of Medicaid recipients worked full time in 2023 and 20% worked part time.

From Los Angeles Times

The tactic, conceived in the horse-and-buggy days when Congress met part time, would probably be challenged in court.

From Los Angeles Times

Bonuses and extra work as a part‑time coach and club ambassador lifted that figure to £9,000.

From BBC

Even when she returned to work, it was only part time.

From Slate