pass the time

pass the time

To occupy oneself during a period of spare time. If you're looking for a way to pass the time, we have plenty of great books to read!

See also: pass, time

pass the time (of day)

to spend time doing something; to consume or use spare time by doing something. I read to pass the time while waiting in the doctor's office. I passed the time of day by talking to Dave.

See also: pass, time

pass the time

1. Occupy oneself for an interval, as in The plane was six hours late but I passed the time reading a book.

2. pass the time of day. Exchange greetings, engage in pleasantries, chat, as in Whenever I met her we would stop to pass the time of day. [First half of 1800s]

See also: pass, time

pass the/your ˈtime (doing something)

spend your time (doing something), often while you are waiting for something else: They told each other jokes to pass the time while waiting for the next train. ♢ We passed our time making plans for the weekend.

See also: pass, time