split-second

adjective split-sec·ond \ ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd \

|Updated on: 21 Jul 2018

Examples: split-second in a Sentence

Definition of split-second

1 : occurring in a split second

a split-second decision

2 : extremely precise

split-second timing

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First Known Use of split-second

1944

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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split-second Synonyms

split second

noun

Definition of split second

: a fractional part of a second : flash

See split second defined for English-language learners

See split second defined for kids

Examples of split second in a Sentence

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 of split second from the Web

Fans simply saw a great play lasting a split second or two.

— john shea, SFChronicle.com, "Brandon Crawford’s All-Star journey: From family tragedy to national spotlight," 12 July 2018
For a split second, I was confused, then saw my body and red board shorts marinating in a cloud of blood.

— patty hodapp, Outside Online, "The Man Who Survived a Rattler, Bear, and Shark Attack," 10 July 2018
Within a split second, one of the dogs, Dwight, a 55-pound rescue, panicked, squeezed through a gate slat and tore off toward Jefferson Avenue.

— christina hall, Detroit Free Press, "Dog found covered in blood, urine and feces after fleeing fireworks," 2 July 2018
Two men, apparently civilians, were walking into the area just meters (yards) from the motorcycles at the moment of the explosion, which a split second later was followed by a second possible blast.

— Washington Post, "Police: Indonesia suicide bombings work of 2 families," 15 May 2018
Two men, apparently civilians, were walking into the area just meters (yards) from the motorcycles at the moment of the explosion, which a split second later was followed by a second possible blast.

— Time, "Ten Injured in Explosion at Surabaya's Police Headquarters, Indonesian Officials Say," 14 May 2018
Two men, apparently civilians, were walking into the area just meters (yards) from the motorcycles at the moment of the explosion, which a split second later was followed by a second possible blast.

— niniek karmini, USA TODAY, "Indonesia suicide bombings are the work of two families — including kids, police say," 14 May 2018
Two men, apparently civilians, were walking into the area just yards from the motorcycles at the moment of the explosion, which a split second later was followed by a second possible blast.

— niniek karmini, BostonGlobe.com, "Another Indonesia suicide bombing attributed to family," 14 May 2018
Two men, apparently civilians, were walking into the checkpoint just meters from the motorbikes at the moment of the explosion, which a split second later was followed by a second possible blast.

— niniek karmini, chicagotribune.com, "Police headquarters in Indonesian city attacked after church bombings," 14 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'split second.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.