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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
As the crowd watches, a surf coach makes a split-second choice. Ronnie Li, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 Barbu’s three-mile push to the finish, wounded and running on pure adrenaline through mountain terrain, came down to a split-second decision. Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
For a split second, Hendry was in control. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 The technical ability is really amazing, and their scope, their musical scope, is so broad because the Internet brings music from around the world to their ears in a split second, every single day. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 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 7 Apr. 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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