momentnoun
uk/ˈməʊ.mənt/us/ˈmoʊ.mənt/moment noun (SHORT TIME)
A2 [ C ] a very short period of time:
Can you wait a moment?
I'll be ready in just a moment.
A car drew up outside and a few moments later the doorbell rang.
I'm expecting her to come at any moment (= very soon).
Have you got a moment (= are you busy or do you have time to speak to me)?
More examples
- The falcon seemed to hang in the air for a moment before diving onto its prey.
- If you'd like to take a seat, Mr Chang will be with you in a moment.
- Could you mind my bag for a moment while I go to the toilet?
- He paused and thought for a moment.
- Could you check this letter for me before I post it - it will only take a moment.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Short in time
- awhile
- be short notice idiom
- bit
- blitz
- brevity
- brief
- ephemeral
- evanescent
- fit
- flutter
- minute 1
- mo
- momentarily
- momentary
- msec
- quick
- sec
- shortish
- twinkling
- wee hours
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moment noun (OCCASION)
B1 [ C ] a particular time or occasion:
When would be the best moment to tell the family?
Don't leave it to/till the last moment (= the latest time possible).
If you want a private conversation with her you'll have to choose your moment (= find a suitable time).
The moment (that) (= as soon as) I get the money I'll send the ticket.
at the moment
A2 now:
Sorry, she's not here at the moment.
for the moment
B2 If you do something for the moment, you are doing it now, but might do something different in the future:
Let's keep doing what we agreed for the moment.
at this moment in time formal
now:
I can give no information at this precise moment in time.
More examples
- Is Michelle all right? She doesn't seem quite herself at the moment.
- She's on the phone to him at this very moment actually.
- In an indiscreet moment, the president let his genuine opinions be known.
- I'm sorry, you've called at rather an awkward moment.
- Would this be a good moment to bring up the subject of money?
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Points in time
- anytime
- as
- as and when idiom
- downstream
- during
- hour
- immediately
- in midstream idiom
- juncture
- later
- midstream
- midway
- occasion
- once
- one
- point
- time
- time slot
- under the wire idiom
- wire
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Now
Temporary
moment noun (IMPORTANCE)
of (great) moment formal
very important:
a decision of great moment
See also
momentous
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Very important or urgent
- all-important
- arch
- at all cost(s) idiom
- be a matter of life and/or death idiom
- burning
- chief
- considerable
- critical
- major league
- make the world go around/round idiom
- materially
- minor league
- mission-critical
- radical
- sacred
- salient
- serious
- seriously
- substantial
- substantially
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Idiom(s)
be having a moment
have your/its moments
the moment of truth
a moment of weakness
not a moment too soon
not for a moment
of the moment