First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1instant
noun in·stant \ˈin(t)-stənt\
: a very short period of time
Full Definition of INSTANT
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
See instant defined for English-language learners
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Origin of INSTANT
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin instant-, instans, from instant-, instans, adjective, instant, from Latin
2instant
adjective
: becoming something very quickly
: happening or done without delay
of food : able to be made very quickly : partially prepared by the manufacturer so that final preparation is quick and easy
Full Definition of INSTANT
1
2
4
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>
5
: produced or occurring with or as if with extreme rapidity and ease
— in·stant·ness noun
See instant defined for English-language learners
Origin of INSTANT
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin instant-, instans, from present participle of instare to stand upon, urge, from in- + stare to stand — more at stand
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to INSTANT
- Synonyms
- immediate, instantaneous, split-second, straightaway
- Antonyms
- noncritical, nonurgent
INSTANT Defined for Kids
1instant
noun in·stant \ˈin-stənt\
Definition of INSTANT for Kids
: a very short time : moment <I'll be back in an instant.>
2instant
adjective
Definition of INSTANT for Kids
1
: happening or done right away <The play was an instant success.>
2
: partially prepared by the manufacturer to make final preparation easy <instant pudding>
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