shortly

adverb

short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio)
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

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
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.
Here is some historical data regarding the previous post-earnings performance of Take-Two Interactive Software stock compared to the performance of peers that announced earnings shortly before Take-Two Interactive Software. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Fire crews were dispatched to the West Baltimore fire shortly before 7:00 p.m., Marsh said, adding that no injuries have been reported. Hanna Park, CNN Money, 13 May 2025 He was captured by police shortly and released on bond in February 2023, per ESPN and 2 News Oklahoma. Escher Walcott, People.com, 13 May 2025 One alert blast came shortly before 4 a.m., almost exactly 12 hours after the original erroneous alert, leading to speculation about a technical glitch. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shortly

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shortly was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shortly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortly. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

shortly

adverb
short·​ly ˈshȯrt-lē How to pronounce shortly (audio)
1
: in a few words : briefly
2
: in or within a short time : soon
will arrive shortly
shortly after sunset

More from Merriam-Webster on shortly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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