split second

NOUN

very short time

Synonyms

STRONGEST

blink of an eye millisecond nanosecond

WEAK

bat of an eye flash fraction of a second half a second heartbeat instant jiffy microsecond moment nothing flat twinkling

ADJECTIVE

extremely fast

Synonyms

STRONG

fast instant on-the-spot quick quick-fire rapid speedy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For very small particles, the entire event lasts only a split second before the material completely burns up.

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

"Timothy turned back, and in only a split second he immediately hugged Shahin," recalled Reza.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

"It all happened so fast, in a split second," Sausan recounted.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

For a split second it felt like I had neither.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 8, 2026

Even in the split second of the event I could see the flies.

From "Woodsong" by Gary Paulsen