adverb
-
in a short time; soon
-
in a few words; briefly
-
in a curt or rude manner
Etymology
Origin of shortly
First recorded before 900; Middle English schortly, Old English scortlīce; short, -ly
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.
“Two quarters ago the shift started, and we believe that shortly Microsoft will reap the benefits,” he added.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026
No injuries were reported, but Altman was clearly shaken as he discussed the attack in a blog post shortly after the Friday incident.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
The Defense Department introduced new restrictions on press access last month, shortly after a federal judge had declared its prior rules unconstitutional.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026
Citadelle Laferrière, also known as Citadelle Henry, was built by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence from France.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
But shortly before my mom had died, Fred had come over for dinner one night.
From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
