“Fleeting” means something that lasts for only a very short time or passes very quickly.

Quick Scoop: What does “fleeting” mean?

Think of “fleeting” as a moment that appears, touches you for a second, and then is gone.

  • It describes something brief and not long‑lasting.
  • Often used for feelings, moments, or sights that pass quickly (a fleeting smile, a fleeting thought).
  • It suggests a kind of delicate, here‑and‑then‑gone quality, like a quick glimpse out of a car window.

“A fleeting moment of happiness” = a short burst of happiness that doesn’t last long.

Mini examples

  • “I had a fleeting idea, but I forgot it a minute later.”
  • “We shared a fleeting glance across the room.”
  • “Their childhood felt like a fleeting moment in time.”

Extra language notes

  • Part of speech: “Fleeting” is mainly an adjective (a fleeting moment, fleeting beauty).
  • Common synonyms: brief, short‑lived, momentary, transient.
  • Common antonyms: permanent, lasting, eternal.

In short: if it’s “fleeting,” it’s real—but it’s over almost as soon as it begins.

TL;DR: “Fleeting” = brief, passing, not lasting long, often used for moments or feelings.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.