plural instants
: a very short period of time : moment
For an instant, I forgot where I was.
The ride was over in an instant.
I knew it was him the instant (that) [=as soon as] I heard his voice.
Come in the house, this instant! [=right now, immediately]
1
: becoming something very quickly
The movie was an instant hit/sensation/success.
He became an instant celebrity with the publication of his first novel.
Her trip made her an instant expert on the region. [=it made her believe that she knew everything about the region]
2
: happening or done without delay : immediate
We got an instant response from the company.
The Internet provides instant access to an enormous amount of information.
They took an instant dislike to each other. [=they immediately disliked each other]
He expects instant gratification.
3
of food
: able to be made very quickly : partially prepared by the manufacturer so that final preparation is quick and easy
Is this coffee instant or regular?
instant pudding/rice
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/instant. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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