A "short period of time" refers to a duration that is brief or limited in length. This can vary depending on context, but it generally implies a timeframe that is significantly less than what is considered standard or average. For example, a few minutes, hours, or days can all be described as a short period of time. In everyday life, people often experience short periods of time during activities like waiting for a bus or cooking a quick meal. These moments can feel fleeting and are often measured against longer durations, such as weeks or months, which provide a contrasting sense of time.