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
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Adjective
But that split-second scan comes with tradeoffs worth knowing about. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 Replays showed Soler was tagged out about a split-second before Schanuel touched home plate for the third out, but home plate umpire John Tumpane pointed at home, signaling the run. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 3 May 2026
Noun
As the human's shot saw the ball graze the top of the net and change trajectory, Ace readjusted in a split second, reacting in real time better than most humans could. New Atlas, 3 May 2026 The plane burst into a fireball within a split second. James Glanz, New York Times, 1 May 2026 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 15 May. 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
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