SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

flash in the pan

noun phrase
Save Word

Definition of flash in the pan

1 : a sudden spasmodic effort that accomplishes nothing
2 : one that appears promising but turns out to be disappointing or worthless

First Known Use of flash in the pan

1706, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for flash in the pan

from the firing of the priming in the pan of a flintlock musket without discharging the piece

Learn More About flash in the pan

Time Traveler for flash in the pan

Time Traveler

The first known use of flash in the pan was in 1706

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near flash in the pan

flashing tile

flash in the pan

flashlamp

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for flash in the pan

Cite this Entry

“Flash in the pan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flash%20in%20the%20pan. Accessed 8 Aug. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

crepuscular

Listen to the pronunciation of crepuscular

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Commonly Confused Words Quiz

  • vector image of a face with thought expression
  • I went to the ______ store to buy a birthday card.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games