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

• 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

But countless other bands have said similar things shortly before their own big money reunions. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 12 July 2025

After issuing a tornado watch shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, originally to last through 11 p.m., the weather service cancelled it in two waves — first for DeKalb and surrounding counties, then Cook County and collars. —William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 12 July 2025

At the time of the incident, Trump was in Washington, D.C., when Shaw allegedly drove what was described by law enforcement as a Mercedes van to the south gate of Mar-a-Lago shortly before 10 p.m. and parked along Southern Boulevard. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025

That will be revealed shortly when CBS announces fall premiere dates. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 11 July 2025

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