shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

1

a

: in a few words : briefly

b

: in an abrupt manner

2

a

: in a short time

we will be there shortly

b

: at a short interval

shortly after sunset

Synonyms of shortly

• briefly
• concisely
• in brief
• precisely

Examples of shortly in a Sentence

He left shortly after you did.

“I can't help you right now,” he said shortly.

Recent Examples on the Web

That track may debut on a number of Billboard rankings shortly, and perhaps earn her another win on both of the global rundowns. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

One of the e-bike riders, a juvenile boy, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died shortly thereafter, the release said. — Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2026

The trade was agreed to shortly before midnight on June 22 prior to being formalized on Monday. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

Historians believe the cannons sank shortly before the siege of Savannah in 1779. — Amy Galo, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing shortly

• shortly after

Rhymes for shortly

• courtly
• portly

Kids Definition

shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē 

1

: in a few words : briefly

2

: in or within a short time : soon

will arrive shortly

shortly after sunset