Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

moment

 - definition
 
 
 
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun [countable] American English pronunciation: moment /ˈmoʊmənt/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularmoment
pluralmoments
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    a very short period of time

    "I see your problem," said George after a moment's reflection.

    He paused for a few moments before giving his answer.

    brief moment:

    For a brief moment their eyes met.

    spare moment (=when you are not busy):

    He studied in every spare moment he could find.

    for a few moments:

    They fell silent for a few moments as they drank their coffee.

    for a moment:

    He leaned against me for a moment and sobbed.

    a moment longer:

    She looked back at him a moment longer, then smiled.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of moment
  2. 2
    a particular point in time when something happens

    Jane began to speak, but at the same moment Helen appeared.

    If only he had not chosen that moment to walk into the room.

    very/precise/exact moment:

    At that precise moment there was a knock on the door.

    until that moment:

    Ellie had never really given it much thought until that moment.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of moment
    1. a.
      a point in time when something important, special, or unusual happens
      moment of:

      This is the proudest moment of my career.

      a very poignant moment in literary history

      moment of triumph/glory:

      In her mind she replayed her moment of triumph.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of moment
  3. 3
    [usually singular] a short period of time when you have the opportunity to do something
    the right moment:

    This is surely the right moment to make amends.

    seize the moment:

    I saw he was alone and seized the moment.

    big moment (=a chance to show how good you are at something):

    As he stood up, James knew his big moment had arrived.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of moment

phrases

See also

This is the American English definition of moment. View British English definition of moment.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

View the pronunciation for moment.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

wane

getting smaller, weaker, or less important

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog