instantly

1 of 2

adverb

in·​stant·​ly ˈin(t)-stənt-lē How to pronounce instantly (audio)
1
: without the least delay : immediately
2
: with importunity : urgently

instantly

2 of 2

conjunction

: as soon as
he ran across the grass instantly he perceived his motherW. M. Thackeray

Examples of instantly in a Sentence

Adverb His voice is instantly recognizable. They instantly fell in love. She was killed instantly when her car hit a tree. Conjunction we realized there would be problems instantly we saw the final report
Recent Examples on the Web
Adverb
The slight flare instantly signals your unique style, while the dark wash can be dressed up or down in accordance with the occasion. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2024 The crowd was instantly united in a kind of lawless exuberance. Amanda Petrusich, The New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2024 Pan’s father was shot in the shoulder and face while her mother was shot in the head three times, killing her instantly. Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024 McDowell spins across the race track, instantly bringing out another caution. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2024 In old, Persian stories, magic carpets are woven with magic threads that are able to instantly transport anyone to anywhere in the world. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024 This pulled pork taco recipe will instantly earn a spot on your must-make-again list. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2024 Documents open instantly, and navigation through large files is almost instantaneous. Edward Mendelson, PCMAG, 11 Apr. 2024 The Board of Water Supply instantly had to shut down three wells that supply water to the island, as the aquifer sits just below Red Hill. Li Cohen, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'instantly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adverb

Middle English, from instant instant entry 2 + -ly -ly entry 2

Conjunction

derivative of instantly entry 1

First Known Use

Adverb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Conjunction

1793, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of instantly was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near instantly

Cite this Entry

“Instantly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/instantly. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

instantly

adverb
in·​stant·​ly
ˈin(t)-stənt-lē
: without delay : immediately
came instantly when I called

More from Merriam-Webster on instantly

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