wait a minute/moment/second

1 of 2

phrase (1)

1

—used to tell someone to stop and wait briefly

Wait a minute. I need to tie my shoe.

If you will just wait a second, I can explain what happened.

2

—used to interrupt someone or something because one has noticed, thought of, or remembered something

Wait a second—that's not what she said.

Wait a minute. I just remembered where I put the keys.

wait/just a minute

2 of 2

phrase (2)

informal

1

—used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time

"Aren't you finished yet?" "Just a minute. I'm almost done."

Wait a minute—I didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?

Wait just a minute, young man. Where do you think you're going?

2

—used to express surprise or disbelief

Hey, wait a minute! That's not what you said yesterday!

Examples of wait a minute/moment/second in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

But wait a minute — there next to Lester, handing him an envelope, is none other than the missing Nicky Caccimelio (Bobby Cannavale), who apparently was hiding in plain sight. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Sep. 2025

First QBs gone figure to be Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts -- but wait a second! — Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2025

Phrase

Remove from the oven, let cool for just a minute or two, and serve immediately. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2026

Unfortunately for Rashford and his team-mates, the home side retook the lead just a minute later, and Sunday’s 2-1 defeat in San Sebastian means Real Madrid are just one point behind them in La Liga’s title race. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026