just a minute/second/moment

1 of 2

phrase (1)

1
—used to ask someone to wait or stop briefly
Just a second and I will get that book for you.
2
—used to demand that someone stop or listen
Just a minute, young lady! You can't park there!

wait/just a minute

2 of 2

phrase (2)

informal
1
—used to tell someone to wait or to stop for a brief time
"Aren't you finished yet?" "Just a minute. I'm almost done."
Wait a minute—I didn't hear you. Could you repeat what you said?
Wait just a minute, young man. Where do you think you're going?
2
—used to express surprise or disbelief
Hey, wait a minute! That's not what you said yesterday!

Examples of just a minute/second/moment 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.
Phrase
But just a minute later the Panthers answered when Emersen Andries sent a 30-yard blast home. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026 But the Falcons broke through early in the second period, with Brooklyn Riley scoring on the Falcons’ prolific power play just a minute into the frame. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Phrase
Remove from the oven, let cool for just a minute or two, and serve immediately. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Jan. 2026 Unfortunately for Rashford and his team-mates, the home side retook the lead just a minute later, and Sunday’s 2-1 defeat in San Sebastian means Real Madrid are just one point behind them in La Liga’s title race. — Pol Ballús, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for just a minute/second/moment

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Cite this Entry

“Just a minute/second/moment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/just%20a%20minute%2Fsecond%2Fmoment. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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