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Showing results for fleeting. Search instead for sleeting.
Synonyms

fleeting

American  
[flee-ting] / ˈfli tɪŋ /

adjective

  1. passing swiftly; vanishing quickly; transient; transitory.

    fleeting beauty;

    a fleeting glance.

    Synonyms:
    fugitive, brief, flying, passing

fleeting British  
/ ˈfliːtɪŋ /

adjective

  1. rapid and transient

    a fleeting glimpse of the sea

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • fleetingly adverb
  • fleetingness noun
  • unfleeting adjective

Etymology

Origin of fleeting

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; fleet 2 + -ing 2

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.

Social relationships, both the deep ones and the fleeting exchanges, reduce stress hormones, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, strengthen immune function and make you happier.

From The Wall Street Journal

A fleeting observer of global politics might reasonably assume the UK should be a haven of stability: a newish government with a colossal majority and years until the next general election.

From BBC

In fleeting moments, when the blimp would begin to budge, you could almost hear faint cheers for stronger gusts.

From Los Angeles Times

But some commentators said it was "tone deaf" for celebrities to be taking part in such a fleeting and expensive trip at a time of economic struggle.

From BBC

The effects of fume events are often fleeting, mild or present no symptoms at all.

From The Wall Street Journal