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
6
archaic
: pregnant
quickly
adverb
quickness
noun
: in a quick manner
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
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
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Despite beginning the game with two quick interceptions, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended the contest with yet another impressive stat line, completing 25 of his 34 pass attempts for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Modern techniques like freezing herbs in oil or quick-pickling veggies keeps that spirit alive.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
As one of the marquee burners in the talent-rich fields of Los Angeles, Ross has Power 4 quicks — Notre Dame, Washington and Auburn were among the blue-blood offers — on a mid-major frame (5-foot-10, 180 pounds).
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quick
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Adjective
The set includes a long stick for full-house cleans, a short handheld for smaller messes, a wall mount, and a convenient charging dock for quick grab-and-go sessions.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
Despite beginning the game with two quick interceptions, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes ended the contest with yet another impressive stat line, completing 25 of his 34 pass attempts for 299 yards and three touchdowns.
—Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Adverb
The blend of modal and Lycra fabrics is breathable, quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and stretchy—and crucially, machine washable for easy cleaning.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Modern techniques like freezing herbs in oil or quick-pickling veggies keeps that spirit alive.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
If Cummins is ruled out beyond the series opener, starting on November 21, Australia will need more than one answer in a five-Test series with short gaps and two senior quicks managing workloads.
—Sukhman Singh, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
As one of the marquee burners in the talent-rich fields of Los Angeles, Ross has Power 4 quicks — Notre Dame, Washington and Auburn were among the blue-blood offers — on a mid-major frame (5-foot-10, 180 pounds).
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quick
Cite this Entry
“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
quick
1 of 2 adjective2
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 noun1
: 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
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