instant
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1in·stant
noun \ˈin(t)-stənt\Definition of INSTANT
1
: an infinitesimal space of time; especially : a point in time separating two states <at the instant of death>
2
: the present or current month
See Examples of INSTANT
- For an instant, I forgot where I was.
- The ride was over in an instant.
Origin of INSTANT
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin instant-, instans, from instant-, instans, adjective, instant, from Latin
First Known Use: 14th century
2instant
adjectiveDefinition of INSTANT
1
2
4
a (1) : premixed or precooked for easy final preparation <instant pudding> (2) : appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form <instant poetry> b : immediately soluble in water <instant coffee>
5
: produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
— in·stant·ness noun
Examples of INSTANT
- The movie was an instant hit.
- He became an instant celebrity with the publication of his first novel.
- We got an instant response from the company.
- The Internet provides instant access to an enormous amount of information.
- Is this coffee instant or regular?
Origin of INSTANT
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin instant-, instans, from present participle of instare to stand upon, urge, from in- + stare to stand — more at stand
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INSTANT
- Synonyms
- immediate, instantaneous, split-second, straightaway
- Antonyms
- noncritical, nonurgent
Learn More About INSTANT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: instantaneous
Previous Word in the Dictionary: instancy
All Words Near: instant
Previous Word in the Dictionary: instancy
All Words Near: instant
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up instant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
