split-second

1 of 2

adjective

split-sec·​ond ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing

split second

2 of 2

noun

: a fractional part of a second : flash

Examples of split-second in a Sentence

Adjective a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions Noun In a split second, it was all over. a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second
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.
Adjective
Believe me, this is very easily done, especially with address autocomplete combined with a split-second lack of attention. Davey Winder, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 Video:Officer catches man falling off bridge split-second rescue Piedmont police chief: 'A tragic loss of life' One of the individuals seated in the front of the Tesla was extracted from the vehicle by a resident who was passing by, troopers said, KRON reported. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 27 Nov. 2024
Noun
Jake Retzlaff dropped back to pass, went through his progressions in the pocket and found wide receiver Darius Lassiter open for a split second. Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2024 Like some other offensive tackles, Lowe tends to break off the line a split second before the ball is snapped, late enough that he isn’t typically called for a penalty. Chad Graff, The Athletic, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for split-second 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of split-second was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near split-second

split screen

split-second

split second

Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

split second

1 of 2 noun
: a small fraction of a second : flash

split-second

2 of 2 adjective
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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