definition of 

minute

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noun  /ˈmɪnɪt/ 

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singular	minute
plural	minutes

phrases

• by the minute

  used for referring to something that is changing or developing very quickly

  We became more annoyed by the minute.

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: more

• every minute counts

  it is important not to delay or waste time

  When you’re on a tight schedule, every minute counts.

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: exigent, urgent, immediate, pressing, uppermost... more

• every minute (of something)

  all of a period of time

  I enjoyed every minute of our holiday in Spain.

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: always, necessarily, ever, constantly, invariably... more

• hang on/hold on a minute

  spoken
  1. 1

     used for asking someone to wait for a short period of time, especially someone who you are talking to on the telephone

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: hold on, just wait until/till, wait a minute/second, just a minute/moment/second, let me see/think... more
  2. 2

     used when you are annoyed and want someone to stop what they are doing and listen

     Hold on a minute! Why didn’t anyone tell me about this?

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: right, now then, hello, all right, see?... more

• the last minute

  the latest possible time for doing something

  Jane always waits until the last minute to write her paper.

  We decided to go at the last minute.

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: deadline, timing, time limit, closing date, due date... more

• the minute you do something

  1. 1

     as soon as you do something

     Please call me the minute you get home.

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: after, following, since, subsequently, ensuing... more
  2. 2

     used for saying that a particular action causes a quick result or reaction

     The minute you mention marriage, he’s gone.

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: sensitive, responsive, ticklish, responsive, Pavlovian... more

• not for a/one minute

  used in negative statements for emphasizing what you are saying

  Don’t think for a minute that I’ll forgive you for this!

  I didn’t believe her for one minute!

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: more

• this minute

  informal
  immediately, used especially for telling someone to do something at once

  Turn off that television this minute!

  Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: suddenly, immediately, at once, straight away, promptly... more

• wait/just a minute

  spoken
  1. 1

     used for asking someone to wait or be patient

     Just a minute, sir, and I’ll take your order.

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: hold on, just wait until/till, wait a minute/second, just a minute/moment/second, let me see/think... more
  2. 2

     used when you are about to disagree with what someone has said

     Wait a minute – that can’t be right.

     Synonyms or related words for this meaning of minute: more