quick

1 of 3

adjective

1
: acting or capable of acting with speed: such as
a(1)
: fast in development or occurrence
a quick succession of events
(2)
: done or taking place with rapidity
gave them a quick look
b(1)
: fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally agile
a quick wit
quick thinking
(2)
: reacting to stimuli with speed and keen sensitivity
(3)
: aroused immediately and intensely
quick tempers
c
: marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement
walked with quick steps
d
: inclined to hastiness (as in action or response)
quick to criticize
e
: capable of being easily and speedily prepared
a quick and tasty dinner
2
: having a sharp angle
a quick turn in the road
3
: not dead : living, alive
4
a
: moving, shifting
quick mud
b
archaic : not stagnant : running, flowing
5
archaic : fiery, glowing
6
archaic : pregnant
7
obsolete
a
b
quickly adverb
quickness noun

quick

2 of 3

adverb

: in a quick manner

quick

3 of 3

noun

1
[probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse kvika sensitive flesh, from kvikr living]
a
: a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (such as that underlying a fingernail or toenail)
b
: the inmost sensibilities
hurt to the quick by the remark
c
: the very center of something : heart
2
quick plural : living beings
3
archaic : life sense 11
Choose the Right Synonym for quick

quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability.

quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power.

quick reflexes
a keen quick mind

prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response.

prompt emergency medical care

ready suggests facility or fluency in response.

backed by a pair of ready assistants

apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible.

an apt student
her answer was apt and to the point

synonyms see in addition fast

Examples of quick in a Sentence

Adjective They had a quick drink at the bar. She took a quick shower. She gave him a quick kiss. You're back already? That was quick! We made a quick decision, but it turned out to be a good one. He got a quick reply to his inquiry. His quick thinking allowed him to escape trouble. Her friends admired her quick wit. He walked with quick steps. She has quick, agile hands. Adverb a scheme to get rich quick I got used to living with a roommate pretty quick. I can't run any quicker. Noun that nasty comment cut me to the quick
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
More on Axios: PR firms race to launch internal AI tools PR professionals flock to AI tools Eleanor Hawkins Mar 23, 2023 - Economy The public relations field grapples with AI Public relations firms and communication tech companies have been quick to jump on the AI bandwagon. Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024 And while those in power may trumpet the historic nature of this return, Diop is quick to question the jubilant tone. Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 24 Oct. 2024
Adverb
Catch up quick: The nearly 12-foot-tall circular art installation turned on Tuesday in LOVE Park, where it's cordoned off by metal bike racks. Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 25 Oct. 2024 When this happens, companies achieve far more, solve problems quicker and elevate their strategic position. Brian Beutler, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
The left-arm quick picked up the invaluable wicket of Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in history, who went out facing his first ball, and then Netravalkar got the wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma. Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 June 2024 Stress hormones flood your system, making your heart pound, your blood pressure rise, your breath quicks, your thoughts race…and none of it is super conducive to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Anna Borges, SELF, 21 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for quick 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, zōē life

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Adverb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of quick was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near quick

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

quick

1 of 2 adjective
1
archaic : not dead : living, alive
2
a
: fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally keen
b
: reacting with speed and alertness
c
: aroused immediately and easily
quick temper
d
: fast in development or occurrence
gave a quick look
e
: marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of action or movement
quick adverb
quickly adverb
quickness noun

quick

2 of 2 noun
1
: living persons
the quick and the dead
2
: a very tender area of flesh (as under a fingernail)
3
: one's innermost feelings
hurt to the quick by the remark
4
: the very center of something : heart
the quick of the matter

Medical Definition

quick

1 of 2 adjective
1
: not dead : living, alive
2

quick

2 of 2 noun
1
quick plural : living beings
2
: a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (as that underlying a fingernail)

More from Merriam-Webster on quick

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!