# momentarily

/ˌmoʊmənˈtɛɹəɫi/ (US) · /mˌəʊməntˈɛɹəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/momentarily
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

for a very short time, or very soon. You use it when something happens quickly or will happen in just a second.

For teachers: for a brief period of time; alternatively, in a very short while. The latter sense is particularly common in North American English.

## Examples

- The power went out momentarily during the storm.
- Please hold the line; the operator will be with you momentarily to assist with your request.
- The speaker paused momentarily to gather his thoughts before addressing the most controversial aspect of the new policy proposal.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will arrive for momentarily." but "I will arrive momentarily." — Momentarily is an adverb and should not be preceded by a preposition like 'for' when indicating when something will happen.

## Usage notes

- In British English, it primarily means 'for a short time'; in American English, it frequently means 'very soon'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.