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
The demo goes far beyond a visual stunt, showing the robot managing real impacts, balance shifts, and split-second decisions in an uncontrolled setting. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026 So on October 24, when a product on Brown’s head left a mark on his New York Knicks player OG Anunoby’s jersey, the split-second in time went viral. Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 21 Dec. 2025
Noun
Feig seems lost in pleasantly tipsy thought for a split second. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2025 That makes a fake alert feel real for a split second. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 7 Jan. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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