time killer
Waiting room activity
A time killer is an activity that occupies idle hours without requiring much effort or engagement.
The term carries a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting the activity has no real purpose beyond making time pass—scrolling social media, playing simple games, or watching videos you'll forget immediately.
Sudoku is my go-to time killer on flights.
The phrase can also describe a person who wastes others' time or their own.
Portable device entertainment software
- solitaireCard game for one
- crosswordClue-based letter grid
- sudokuLogic grid puzzle
- word gameLanguage-based entertainment
trivia · casual game · video · social media · streaming · binge-watching · magazine · tabloid
Thing diverting one's attention
- pastimeRecreational pursuit
- diversionRedirection of attention
- busyworkMeaningless assigned tasks
- putteringUnhurried aimless activity
dawdling · doodling · scrolling · channel surfing · thumb twiddling · window shopping · daydreaming · procrastination
Ordered waiting line
- layoverBreak between connecting flights
- commuteRegular work travel
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
- delayEnforced waiting period
downtime · transit · lobby · holding pattern · intermission · countdown · anticipation
mobile game
Portable device entertainment software
word game · trivia · casual game · video · social media · streaming · binge-watching · magazine · tabloid · page-turner
distraction
Thing diverting one's attention
puttering · dawdling · doodling · scrolling · channel surfing · thumb twiddling · window shopping · daydreaming · procrastination · idling
queue
Ordered waiting line
- layoverBreak between connecting flights
- commuteRegular work travel
- waiting roomSpace for anticipating service
delay · downtime · transit · lobby · holding pattern · intermission · countdown · anticipation
time killermeaningful work
Labor with significance
productive · efficient · worthwhile · accomplishment · achievement
time killerpassion
Intense emotional drive
calling · life's work · labor of love · passion project · vocation
time killerpriority
Status of greater importance
urgent task · pressing matter · deadline · top priority · obligation
time, kill, killing, killer, times, timeless, timer, timely, timed