a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour, a very short time, a unit used in measuring the angular distance between celestial objects

any minute, just a minute, wait a minute

at the last minute, in a minute, take a minute

Formal and Informal Expressions of minute

In different contexts, you can replace 'minute' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'moment, instant' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'sec, jiffy' is a commonplace synonym.

minute: Explore its Definition & Usage

minute Definition

1a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour
2a very short time
3a unit used in measuring the angular distance between celestial objects

Using minute: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "minute" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I'll be back in a minute.
Example
The meeting will start in just a few minutes.
Example
She was only a minute late.
Example
He spoke for a full minute.

minute Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for minute

Antonyms for minute

Idioms Using minute

any minute
very soon
Example
The storm could arrive any minute now.
just a minute
used to ask someone to wait or pause briefly
Example
Just a minute, I need to finish this email.
wait a minute
used to ask someone to pause or hold on for a moment
Example
Wait a minute, I'm not finished yet.

Phrases with minute

at the last minute
at the latest possible time before an event
Example
He always does his homework at the last minute.
in a minute
very soon
Example
I'll be with you in a minute.
take a minute
to require only a short amount of time
Example
Can you take a minute to help me with this?

Origins of minute

from Middle English 'myneut', from Old French 'minut', from Latin 'minuta', feminine of 'minutus', meaning 'small'

📌

Summary: minute in Brief

The term 'minute' [ˈmɪnɪt] refers to a period of time equal to sixty seconds or a sixtieth of an hour. It can also mean a very short time or a unit used in measuring the angular distance between celestial objects. Phrases like 'at the last minute,' 'in a minute,' and 'take a minute' are commonly used to indicate urgency or brevity.