fleeting

[ flee-ting ]

adjective

1. passing swiftly; vanishing quickly; transient; transitory:

   fleeting beauty;

   a fleeting glance.

   Synonyms: fugitive, brief, flying, passing

fleeting

/ ˈfliːtɪŋ /

adjective

1. rapid and transient

   a fleeting glimpse of the sea

Derived Forms

• ˈfleetingly, adverb
• ˈfleetingness, noun

Other Words From

• fleeting·ly adverb
• fleeting·ness noun
• un·fleeting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleeting¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English; fleet ² + -ing ²

Example Sentences

But these fleeting moments of weakness underscore the character’s fragility, just as Glenn Close’s modest singing ability served her devastating portrayal of Norma Desmond in the 1994 Broadway premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

But Porter never heard more than a fleeting moment of frustration from his pupil.

From Los Angeles Times

In an interview, her mother, Nichole Thompson, recalled believing that she was going on a fleeting adventure before settling back home.

From Los Angeles Times

The lyrics contemplate the fleeting nature of time and the loss of innocence, set against the backdrop of a love affair that's hit the rocks.

From BBC

Even with the new ball, England carried only a fleeting threat.

From BBC

Related Words

• cursory
• ephemeral
• fading
• momentary
• short-lived
• sudden
• transitory