: insignificant in performance, scope, or standing : petty
small-time thieves
small-timer noun

Examples of small-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Police believe Perez was a small-time drug dealer who sold mostly weed and some MDMA, more commonly referred to as Molly, from his motel room. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2025 For retirees, these small-time entrepreneurial ventures provide more than just a little extra cash. Chris Carosa, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Brian Tyree Henry delivers a powerhouse performance as Ray Driscoll, a man posing as a DEA agent to rob small-time drug dealers, all while carrying the weight of past trauma and present survival. Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Mar. 2025 In both Lock, Stock and Snatch, Statham (in true Guy Ritchie fashion) plays a small-time criminal who gets caught up in big-time trouble. Rebecca Pahle, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for small-time

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of small-time was in 1915

Cite this Entry

“Small-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-time. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on small-time

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