split-second

adjective

split-sec·ond | \ ˈsplit-ˈse-kənd

Definition of split-second

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : occurring in a split second a split-second decision

2 : extremely precise split-second timing

split second

noun

Definition of split second (Entry 2 of 2)

: a fractional part of a second : flash

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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: Noun

If the outfielder or relay man for the cut-off throw drops his hands, that allows the more-than-split second delay that often ends up in runs scoring or extra bases. — Anthony Fenech, Detroit Free Press, "Ron Gardenhire's Kelly Clarkson ringtone is theme for Detroit Tigers season," 22 May 2018 Indeed, the replay showed Marshall lifting his foot off the ground and starting to thrust his leg towards Russell a split second before the ball eventually changes direction after striking the oncoming SKC player. — Geoff Baker, The Seattle Times, "Inside the referees’ locker room: Hearing directly from officiating crew about Saturday’s controversial red card on Sounders defender Chad Marshall," 4 Sep. 2018 Fans learned quickly not to get too attached to characters, because Martin doesn't hesitate to kill off characters who feel like vital protagonists in a split second. — Kayleigh Roberts, Marie Claire, "George R.R. Martin Finally Explained Why He Keeps Killing All Your Favorite 'Game of Thrones' Characters," 12 Aug. 2018 That split second, Ballard said, will create problems in the pros. — Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Colts' Chris Ballard breaks down film on picks from NFL Draft," 1 May 2018 That split second where the game that looks to be ebbing towards a natural, premeditated end gets flipped on it's head, with the remainder of the match plunged into ambiguity is unprecedented in terms of entertainment. — SI.com, "6 Teams That Had Victory Snatched From Them at the Death," 18 June 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 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

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.