wait a minute/moment/second

idiom

1
used to tell someone to stop and wait briefly
Wait a minute. I need to tie my shoe.
If you will just wait a second, I can explain what happened.
2
used to interrupt someone or something because one has noticed, thought of, or remembered something
Wait a second—that's not what she said.
Wait a minute. I just remembered where I put the keys.

Examples of wait a minute/moment/second in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But wait a second, pump the brakes, said a counter-chorus of analysts and executives, echoing Mr. Nadella. Talmon Joseph Smith, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 There has to be a certain kind of people who can look at it and say ‘Hey, wait a second! Harry Siegel, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2025 Though, one source notes, security was so tight that Montana, 68, had to wait a moment before greeting the Chiefs quarterback. Bailey Richards, People.com, 9 Feb. 2025 For that kid to see me and Noah on the screen and go, hey, wait a minute, that’s someone like me on TV to watch it any time. Scott Powers, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 And—wait a second—why are the eggs that are available so expensive? Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Jan. 2025 Having someone here who can say, ‘Well, wait a minute. Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2025 Better yet, beauty lovers don’t need to wait a moment longer for coveted skin-care, makeup, and devices to go sale—so many great products already are! Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024 After shampooing, apply it to wet hair—then wait a minute and rinse it out. Jenny Berg, Allure, 31 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Wait a minute/moment/second.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wait%20a%20minute%2Fmoment%2Fsecond. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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