Split-second

/ˌsplɪtˈsɛk(ə)nd/ · noun

Meaning

(chiefly attributive) A stopwatch with two second hands, each of which may be stopped separately to time the intervals of a race by a sportsperson, or to time more than one sportsperson..

Definitions by Sense

1. (chiefly attributive) A stopwatch with two second hands, each of which may be stopped separately to time the intervals of a race by a sportsperson, or to time more than one sportsperson.
2. A fraction of a second; hence (figurative, also attributive) a very short time period; an instant, a moment.

Example Sentences

It's very dangerous, though, when a man thinks for a split second that he understands death.

I was in the gutter, sitting my bike, willing them to die, […] or otherwise obliterated because this demanded split-second timing.

It appears [Simon] Cowell has been taking notes from South Korea, as his next talent show Walk The Line, coming later this year, has also been game-ified: it will see singers perform, then have to make the split-second decision of whether to take a cash prize or risk advancing in the competition instead.

Synonyms for split-second

Antonyms for split-second

Related Words

Word Forms

• split-seconds
• split second

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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