split-second

1 of 2

adjective

split-sec·​ond ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd How to pronounce split-second (audio)
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

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
Adjective
As the official timekeeper, Porsche Design's role is critical in capturing the split-second moments that define the outcomes of the races. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 Another officer was tasked with breaking the bedroom window a split-second before Carboni opened fire, prosecutors added. Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 20 Feb. 2024 The threat of ballistic missiles requires split-second decisions on the part of Cmdr. Rich Schapiro, NBC News, 7 Feb. 2024 Mike Pereira, who once was in charge of the folks in stripes making those split-second decisions, has a vivid memory of one particular correct ruling that helped determine the outcome of a Super Bowl. Howard Fendrich, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024 The flash from a strike would arrive before the sound, a terrifying split-second. Hannah Allam, Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2023 The split-second moment comes as the officers, guns drawn, dart up a flight of stairs amid a frantic search for the suspect and the victims. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 22 Dec. 2023 But the story itself shows how, sometimes, a split-second on a trip can totally change your life—in this case, the moment in question feels both moving and almost tongue-in-cheek, like something out of a Hollywood writers’ room. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Dec. 2023 Springsteen gives it a split-second thought and laughs. Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 2 Dec. 2023
Noun
Aiyuk reacted a split second before both defenders, jumped in front of them and hauled in a fingertip catch. Jason Mastrodonato, The Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2024 In a split second, 11-year-old Aderrien Murry, who’d called 911 for help, was shot in the chest by Capers, the video shows. María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post, 12 Jan. 2024 The Big Play can change everything in a split second. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 How This Man Plotted with His Cousins to Surprise Future Wife with Romantic Proposal in London (Exclusive) For a split second, viewers were able to get a glimpse of the romantic beach proposal — that is until the baby girl noticed the cell phone sitting in the sand. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 10 Jan. 2024 My dream was taken away from me, and in a split second, Simon just gave that dream back to me. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 9 Jan. 2024 Other times, conveniences are put in place in order to short-circuit your ability to act in your own best interests, even if just for a split second. Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 21 Nov. 2023 Quarterback Jalen Mayden holding onto the ball for a split second longer could have meant a touchdown rather than a turnover in a 34-31 loss to Boise State. Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Nov. 2023 In a split second your world gets turned upside down for no good reason. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'split-second.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near split-second

Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!