stat
Stat (adv) means Right away; immediately — especially in medical or urgent contexts. Example: “The doctor called for a blood transfusion, stat.”
How to use stat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRight now, with no delay — or, separately, a shortened way of saying "statistic."
The "immediately" sense is common in medical dramas and hospital settings.
Word forms
statted past tense, stats plural, stats singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor called for a blood transfusion, _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin statim, meaning "immediately."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for stat
See all rhymes for stat →Frequently asked questions
What does “stat” mean?
The word “stat” means right away; immediately — especially in medical or urgent contexts. In plain terms, right now, with no delay — or, separately, a shortened way of saying "statistic.".
How do you pronounce “stat”?
“Stat” is pronounced stat (/stæt/ in IPA).
How do you use “stat” in a sentence?
Here is “stat” used in a sentence: “The doctor called for a blood transfusion, stat.”
What part of speech is “stat”?
Depending on how it is used, “stat” can be an adverb and a noun.
Where does the word “stat” come from?
The word “stat” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin statim, meaning "immediately.".
Is “stat” a common word?
“Stat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stat” have?
“Stat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: right away; immediately — especially in medical or urgent contexts.
What is the difference between "stat" and "immediately"?
Both mean without delay, but "stat" is an informal, punchy term used mainly in medical and other urgent settings, while "immediately" is neutral and suitable for any context. A doctor might order a test "stat," but a formal report would say the test is needed "immediately."
When should you use "stat" to mean "immediately"?
Use "stat" in urgent, often medical, situations where speed is critical, as in "we need that blood work stat." Because it is informal and specialised, it can sound out of place in formal writing, where "immediately" or "at once" is a better fit.
Does "stat" always mean "immediately"?
No. "Stat" has a second, unrelated informal meaning as the short form of "statistic," as in "he checked the player's stats." Context makes the meaning clear: an urgent command versus a piece of numerical data.