drive-time
UK[ˈdraɪv taɪm]US[ˈdraɪv taɪm]
n
The time of day when many people are commuting by car, typically characterized by heavy traffic.
adj
Relating to or suitable for listening to while driving, especially during a commute.
Morpheme Breakdown
drive
time
drive
to operate a vehicle
time
a period
Etymology
The compound "drive-time" is a modern formation from the mid-20th century, created within the English language by combining two native Germanic words. The term literally denotes the "time spent driving," specifically the commuting periods at the beginning and end of the workday. Its logic is transparent: it pinpoints the temporal window defined by the mass activity of driving. This specificity allowed it to develop a specialized meaning in broadcasting, describing radio programming tailored for commuters, thus linking the literal activity to a media consumption habit.
Analysis
Structure: drive (to operate a vehicle) + time (a period)
- drive: From Old English drīfan (to drive, force, pursue). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning the act of operating a vehicle.
- time: From Old English tīma (a period, season). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning a specific period or duration.
Examples
The radio station plays lighter music and news updates during the morning drive-time.
He hosts a popular drive-time show that features traffic reports and interviews.
Avoid the highway if you can; it's solid traffic during drive-time.