Definition

Noun: 1. The standard, official duration of a sports contest: The period of time that constitutes the normal, full length of a game, excluding any extra periods like overtime or stoppage time added on. It is the time prescribed by the official rules of the sport.

Usage

"Regulation time" is used to specify the conclusion of a game's standard period. It is most commonly used in sports reporting and commentary to distinguish the primary contest from any subsequent, additional periods required to determine a winner.

Examples

• The score was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time, forcing the game into overtime.
• The team managed to score the winning goal just before regulation time expired.
• In hockey, if the game is tied after regulation time, a five-minute overtime period is played.

Advanced Usage

• "In regulation time": This phrase is used to indicate that an event (like a victory) occurred within the standard duration of the game.
  • They secured the victory in regulation time, avoiding the need for extra periods.

Variants and Related Words

• Regulation (noun): A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority. In sports, it can also refer to one of the standard periods of play (e.g., "the third regulation" in hockey).
• Overtime/Extra time (noun): A period of play added to resolve a tie after regulation time has ended.
• Stoppage time/Injury time (noun): Time added to the end of a regulation period (particularly in soccer) to compensate for time lost due to substitutions, injuries, or other stoppages.

Synonyms

• Standard time
• Normal time
• Full time (in some contexts, though "full time" can also mean the final whistle, including added stoppage time)

Antonyms

• Overtime
• Extra time
• Sudden death

Noun

1. (sports) the normal prescribed duration of a game
   • the game was finished in regulation time