instant

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈɪnstənt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular instant

Plural instants

1. An instant is a very short time.

   She looked at me and for an instant, I thought she was her mother.

2. (usually before a noun) Instant $x$ is $x$ that is ready, or happens, very quickly (in an instant).

   I don't like instant coffee, but that's usually what I drink.

   With his first book, he was an instant success.

Synonyms

• second
• immediate

Related words

• instantly
• instance
• instantiate