Definition of INSTANT (original) (raw)
1
: an infinitesimal space of time
especially : a point in time separating two states
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
(2)
: appearing in or as if in ready-to-use form
b
: immediately soluble in water
4
a
previous felonies not related to the instant crime
b
: of or occurring in the present month —abbreviation inst
Synonyms of instant
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
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.
During their first night together, just for an instant, Nikki appears to glitch, jerking back mid-kiss and looking at him with blind panic instead of undying affection. —
Alex Barasch, New Yorker, 11 May 2026 Cook, covered, until an _instant_-read thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken breast registers 160°F and thighs and legs register 180°F, 25 to 30 minutes, basting every 5 minutes. —Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Sift the flour, instant coffee, and baking powder in a bowl. —Lucie Franc De Ferriere, Vogue, 10 May 2026 People want instant gratification. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for instant
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English, "moment, point of time," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin instant-, instans, noun derivative of Late Latin instant-, instans, adjective, "present, current" — more at instant entry 2
Adjective
Middle English, "of the present moment, immediate, urgent," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin instant-, instans "pressing, urgent" (Late Latin also "present, current"), from present participle of instō, instāre "to set foot on, take up a stand, press in a hostile manner, loom, be upon one, be urgent," from in- in- entry 2 + stāre "to stand" — more at stand entry 1
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5
Time Traveler
The first known use of instant was in the 14th century
Browse Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
“Instant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instant. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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