instantaneous

adjective

in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce instantaneous (audio)
-nyəs
1
: done, occurring, or acting without any perceptible duration of time
death was instantaneous
2
: done without any delay being purposely introduced
took instantaneous corrective action
3
: occurring or present at a particular instant
instantaneous velocity
instantaneity
ˌin-ˌstan-tə-ˈnē-ə-tē How to pronounce instantaneous (audio)
ˌin(t)-stən-tə-ˈnē-
noun
instantaneously adverb
instantaneousness noun

Examples of instantaneous in a Sentence

We got an almost instantaneous response from the company. the thunder following the flash of lightning was nearly instantaneous
Recent Examples on the Web Imagine a future where financial transactions are instantaneous, transcending the traditional bottlenecks of speed and security that have plagued the sector for years. Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 The setup served up 500 tokens per second to produce answers that were nearly instantaneous. Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2024 Their connection was instantaneous, and Lori began her signature love bombing. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 As a whole, the internet changed the world for the better (instantaneous communication, easier access to a global workforce) despite introducing new challenges (social media addiction, a surge in computer viruses and ransomware). Syed Ahmed, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for instantaneous 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instantaneous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin instantāneus, from instant-, instans "moment, point of time," + Latin -āneus, suffix forming adjectives from temporal adverbs — more at instant entry 1

Note: Regarding the suffix -āneus see the etymology and note at spontaneous.

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of instantaneous was in 1651

Dictionary Entries Near instantaneous

Cite this Entry

“Instantaneous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantaneous. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

instantaneous

adjective
in·​stan·​ta·​neous ˌin(t)-stən-ˈtā-nē-əs How to pronounce instantaneous (audio)
-nyəs
1
: happening in an instant
2
: done without delay
instantaneously adverb
instantaneousness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on instantaneous

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