minute · n
(at) any minute; any minute now
B2 very soon
Dictionary examples:
Her train should be arriving any minute. (36.1)
the last minute
B2 the latest time possible
Dictionary examples:
The concert was canceled at the last minute. (19.7)
minute (60 SECONDS)
A1 a period of time equal to 60 seconds
Dictionary examples:
Thirty minutes for homework? Too long! (0.0)
Ten minutes late? Run, run, run! (0.0)
Five minutes of sleep? Not enough! (0.0)
It takes me twenty minutes to get to work. (9.6)
a ten-minute bus ride (51.6)
The train leaves at three minutes to eight, so we'd better get there a few minutes before then. (63.2)
minute (SHORT TIME)
A2 a very short period of time
Dictionary examples:
I'll finish my homework in a minute... or maybe next year! (0.0)
Just a minute! I'm trying to put on my pants and shoes! (0.0)
Can you wait a minute? I'm teaching my cat to dance! (0.0)
I'll be with you in a minute. (8.7)
It'll only take a minute to call him. (8.8)
Hang on a minute - I'll be with you as soon as I can! (28.0)
When you've got a minute, I'd like a brief word with you. (31.1)
Can you hold on a minute - he's on the other side of the yard. (53.2)
wait a minute
B1 said in order to interrupt someone, or to get their attention or when you have suddenly thought of something important
Dictionary examples:
Wait a minute! I forgot my pants. No wonder it's so breezy. (0.0)
Hold on a minute! Did I just see a chicken driving that car? (0.0)
Hang on a minute! Did you say you're allergic to oxygen? (0.0)
Wait a minute - I've just had an idea. (13.7)
the minute (that)
C2 as soon as
Dictionary examples:
I'll tell you the minute we hear any news. (15.9)