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

They followed makeshift signs to a small courtyard, where scores of volunteer lawyers, translators and other staff helped them apply for a little-known federal program that offers an unusual — and probably fleeting — reprieve from deportation.

From Los Angeles Times

At 29, Mr Bautista has only fleeting memories of life in Mexico, the country in which he was born and left at the age of seven.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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