split-second

1 of 2

adjective

split-sec·​ond ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
Synonyms of split-secondnext
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing

split second

2 of 2

noun

: a fractional part of a second : flash

Examples of split-second in a Sentence

Adjective a day trader who is used to making split-second decisions Noun In a split second, it was all over. a devastating accident can cause everything in your life to change in a split second
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.
Adjective
Scammers count on that split-second panic. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2026 But the second-scariest part of this opening scene comes shortly after the scene has already ended, when a split-second jump scare reveals what Katie looked like after Samara killed her. Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 June 2026
Noun
In just split seconds, a speeding car going sideways comes to a crashing stop. Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 18 June 2026 For a split second at UCF’s second 7-on-7 tournament of the summer Monday night, Winter Park’s Cornelius Williams was the hero. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for split-second

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1944, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of split-second was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

split second

1 of 2 noun
: a small fraction of a second : flash

split-second

2 of 2 adjective
1
: occurring in a split second
a split-second decision
2
: extremely precise
split-second timing
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