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

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
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Adjective
Trailing by six with less than four minutes to play in the third quarter, Shepard scored five points in an 11-4 Lynx run — capped by putting back a Bridget Carleton miss a split-second before the third quarter expired — for a 55-54 Lynx lead. Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 25 June 2025 Jay Trombley describes the split-second decision that saved his congregation. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 24 June 2025
Noun
For a split second, melting ice cream is dribbling down your own chin—and this is just one drink of many that evoke a specific experience. Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025 Then, in a split second, Haliburton decided to dribble backward to hoist a prayer and go for the win. James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 22 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Split-second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/split-second. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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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