in·stant
ˈin(t)-stənt 
1
: an infinitesimal space of time
especially
: a point in time separating two states
at the instant of death
2
: the present or current month
1
: produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
3
a(1)
: premixed or precooked for easy final preparation
instant pudding
(2)
: appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
instant poetry
b
: immediately soluble in water
instant coffee
4
5
instantness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of instant in a Sentence
Noun
For an instant, I forgot where I was.
The ride was over in an instant.
Adjective
The movie was an instant hit.
He became an instant celebrity with the publication of his first novel.
We got an instant response from the company.
The Internet provides instant access to an enormous amount of information.
Is this coffee instant or regular?
Recent Examples on the Web
Yukio Mishima, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
Stafford twisted free of an unblocked defender rushing up the middle, ducked under a second would-be tackler, then scissored his legs like a high-stepping Houdini an instant before finding the star receiver with a seven-yard scoring pass.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is not to say Gen Z refuses to use instant communication, of course.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instant 
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.
Noun
The man turned, stared for an instant at where her voice had come from, then dashed out of sight toward the back of the property.
—Yukio Mishima, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024
Stafford twisted free of an unblocked defender rushing up the middle, ducked under a second would-be tackler, then scissored his legs like a high-stepping Houdini an instant before finding the star receiver with a seven-yard scoring pass.
—Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Adjective
He's already played a key role in the team remaining unbeaten, and has been an instant success for the Chiefs.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
This is not to say Gen Z refuses to use instant communication, of course.
—Zaheer Dodhia, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for instant
Dictionary Entries Near instant
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instant. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
instant
1 of 2 noun
in·stant
ˈin(t)-stənt
: a very small space of time : moment
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share