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moment

n.
US //ˈmoʊmənt// UK //mˈəʊmənt// mo·ment
  1. 1 a short time (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a very brief period of time.

    a brief, typically unspecified interval of time.

    Example

    Wait just a moment while I find my keys in my bag.

    Example

    The speaker paused for a moment to gather his thoughts before addressing the difficult question from the audience.
  2. 2 a specific point in time (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a particular point in time when something happens.

    a precise point in time, often associated with a specific event or realization.

    Example

    It was a great moment when the team finally won the trophy.

    Example

    At that exact moment, the sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the valley just as the ceremony began.
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  1. 3 importance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the importance or value of an event or decision.

    the quality of being important or significant; consequence.

    Example

    The decision to move to a new country was a matter of great moment.

    Example

    The treaty was an agreement of such historical moment that it altered the geopolitical landscape for the next century.
    • insignificance
    • triviality
  2. 4 physics/mechanics (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a measure of the turning effect of a force.

    the product of a physical quantity, such as force, and its distance from a reference point.

    Example

    The engineer calculated the bending moment to ensure the bridge was safe.

    Example

    The structural integrity of the crane depends on balancing the moment of the load against the counterweight.
  3. 5 statistics (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a number that describes the shape of a set of data.

    a quantitative measure of the shape of a set of points or a probability distribution.

    Example

    The first moment of a distribution is simply the mean.

    Example

    Higher-order moments, such as skewness and kurtosis, provide deeper insights into the asymmetry and peakedness of the data set.

  4. 6 social trend (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a time when someone or something is very popular or talked about.

    a period of significant cultural relevance or peak popularity for a person or trend.

    Example

    Vinyl records are having a moment right now as more people buy them.

    Example

    The young actress is truly having a moment, appearing on every major magazine cover this month.
  5. 7 characteristic behavior (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    a typical or embarrassing way that a person acts.

    an instance of behavior considered characteristic of a specific person or group, often used to describe a lapse in judgment.

    Example

    I forgot my own phone number—I guess I'm just having a moment.

    Example

    The politician's confused response during the interview was quickly labeled a 'senior moment' by the local press.
Origin

From Middle English moment, from Old French moment, from Latin mōmentum. Doublet of momentum and movement.

Word family
Idioms11 entries

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