instant

[in-stuhnt]

noun

1. an infinitesimal or very short space of time; a moment.

   They arrived not an instant too soon.

   Synonyms: trice, jiffy, flash, twinkling, second

2. the point of time now present or present with reference to some action or event.

3. a particular moment.

   at the instant of contact.

4. a food or beverage, especially coffee, specially processed for quick preparation.

5. Older Use.,  the present or current month.

adjective

1. succeeding without any interval of time; prompt; immediate.

   instant relief from a headache.

2. pressing or urgent.

   instant need.

3. noting a food or beverage requiring a minimal amount of time and effort to prepare, as by heating or the addition of milk or water, before being served or used.

   instant coffee; instant pudding.

4. occurring, done, or prepared with a minimal amount of time and effort; produced rapidly and with little preparation.

   an instant book; instant answers; instant history.

5. designed to act or produce results quickly or immediately.

   an instant lottery.

6. Older Use.,  of the present month: inst.

   your letter of the 12th instant.

7. present; current.

   the instant case before the court.

adverb

1. instantly.

instant

/ ˈɪnstənt /

noun

1. a very brief time; moment

2. a particular moment or point in time

   at the same instant

3. immediately; without delay

adjective

1. immediate; instantaneous

2. (esp of foods) prepared or designed for preparation with very little time and effort

   instant coffee

3. urgent or imperative

4. (postpositive)

   1. inst. of the present month Compare proximo ultimo

      a letter of the 7th instant

   2. currently under consideration

adverb

1. a poetic word for instantly

Word History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin instant- (stem of instāns ), present participle of instāre “to be present, urgent,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -stā- stand + -nt- present participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of instant¹

C15: from Latin instāns, from instāre to be present, press closely, from _in- ² + stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See minute ¹.

Example Sentences

A whisp of a canorous clarinet or a rumbling rattle is all it takes for a kind of instant transport to a far-off time and place.

From Los Angeles Times

The brothers used online platforms including KakaoTalk, a Korean instant messaging app, to reach their customers.

From Los Angeles Times

The England international, who turned 30 on Wednesday, has made an instant impact with the Toffees since joining on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

From BBC

Her first cap came earlier this year with her impact instant as she started at open-side flanker in a 79-14 thrashing of the United States.

From BBC

This will be done against the knowledge that any error will be seized upon and judgement will be instant and unforgiving.

From BBC