split-second

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

|Updated on: 23 Jun 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

See split-second defined for English-language learners

See split-second defined for kids

First Known Use of split-second

1944

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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

To be clear, the system is not designed to take over in a split second in hopes of avoiding an accident.

— kirsten korosec, Fortune, "Why Self-Driving Car Companies Are Eyeing This Remote Driving Startup," 12 June 2018
In scenarios where every split second can have life or death consequences, even shaving seconds from having to switch to acquire targets is vital.

— allison barrie, Fox News, "US Army gets even deadlier with futuristic new night vision goggles," 10 May 2018
To start, the puppy only needs to focus on you for a split second.

— jennifer williams, Fox News, "The Daily Spike: What’s in a name?," 11 May 2018
Wilson was pursuing Dumoulin and his shoulder came up a split second before Alex Ovechkin also struck Dumoulin.

— kevin allen, USA TODAY, "Penguins have plenty to be mad about in Game 2 loss to Capitals," 29 Apr. 2018
And for just a split second, fans started wondering if Jacob had a crush on Jenna.

— victoria rodriguez, Seventeen, "8 Things You Didn’t Know About Jacob Sartorius, Millie Bobby Brown's Boyfriend," 21 Mar. 2018
When Romeo did a split second, slightest-of-fake grab for the Vanderbilt hat, the state of Indiana got ready to sigh.

— dana hunsinger benbow, Indianapolis Star, "Why Romeo Langford means so much to basketball in Indiana," 4 May 2018
Modric's lack of concentration for a split second in the first-leg evidence of how crucial his role could be on Tuesday evening, with Rabiot losing the ex-Tottenham Hotspur ace only momentarily before slotting home.

— SI.com, "Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Madrid Preview: Classic Encounter, Key Battle, Team News & More," 5 Mar. 2018
But then came the moment the forged Barbosa's life; a split second that turned a human being who was adored by his country into an anti-hero.

— SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 17 Weeks to Go - Moacir Barbosa, the Man Blamed for Brazil's 'Hiroshima'," 26 Feb. 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.