Short

/ʃɔrt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A short circuit or something that is shorter than normal.

There was a short in the wiring that caused the lights to flicker.

adjective

Having little length.

The fence is too short to keep the dog in the yard.

Not lasting a long time; brief.

She gave a short speech before the ceremony.

Of small stature; not tall.

He is short compared to his classmates.

Lacking in depth, intensity, or quantity.

The movie was entertaining but a bit short on plot.

adverb

In a short manner; briefly.

She apologized short and sweet before leaving.

Old English 'sceort', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'kort' and German 'kurz'.

cut short

To interrupt or stop something before it is finished.

short and sweet

Brief but pleasant or effective.

short change

To give less change than is due.

shorten

To make something shorter.

shrink

To become or make something smaller in size.

abbreviate

To shorten a word or phrase.

Short on cash.

I'm a bit short this week, can't go out.

Short lived.

Their relationship was short-lived.