1. A particular point in time
   "the instant he arrived the party began";
   - moment, minute, second
    
2. A very short time
   "The lightning flash lasted only for an instant";
   - blink of an eye [informal], flash, heartbeat, jiffy [informal], split second, trice, twinkling [informal], wink [informal], New York minute [US, informal], jiff [informal]

1. Occurring with no delay
   "instant gratification";
   - instantaneous
    
2. Demanding attention
   "an instant need";
   - clamant, crying, exigent, insistent
    
3. In or of the present month
   "your letter of the 10th instant";
   - inst

Derived forms: instants

See also: fast, imperative, present

Type of: bit, minute, mo, moment, point, point in time, second

Encyclopedia: Instant