brisk

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbrisk 

1

: keenly alert : lively

… a brisk old lady with no nonsense about her …

—Jean Stafford

2

a

: pleasingly tangy

brisk tea

b

: fresh, invigorating entry 1

a brisk autumn day

3

: sharp in tone or manner

was very brisk on the phone

4

a

: energetic, quick

took a brisk walk

at a brisk pace

b

: marked by much activity

business was brisk

briskly adverb

briskness noun

brisk

2 of 2

verb

brisked; brisking; brisks

transitive verb

: to make animated, energetic, or marked by much activity : to make brisk

intransitive verb

: to become brisk

—usually used with up

business brisked up

Synonyms of brisk

Adjective

• lively
• energetic
• animated
• active
• animate
• spirited

Examples of brisk in a Sentence

Adjective

She answered the phone in a brisk voice.

They went for a brisk walk in the woods.

She walked at a brisk pace.

Business is brisk at the store.

There is a brisk market in old movie posters.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

While Heritage and other elite auction houses showcase cards and accept bids online and in-person, hobbyist websites, such as Vintage Non-Sports, Blowout Cards and Fanatics Collect, are doing a brisk auction business. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026

Over a decade since its debut, the shoegaze trio fronted by Grouper’s Liz Harris returns for a brisk new album with its eyes trained on the sky. — Sasha Geffen, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2026

What to do nearby My walk to Compo Beach along the golf course’s winding paths and then through a picturesque neighborhood of shiplap homes took just under 30 minutes at a brisk pace. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Examples of moderate activity included brisk walking, light swimming, doubles tennis and household activities such as washing windows, vacuuming or mowing the lawn, the study release stated. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably modification of Middle French brusque

Verb

verbal derivative of brisk entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for brisk

• bisque
• disc
• disk
• fisc
• fisk
• frisk
• risk
• whisk
• basilisk
• obelisk
• videodisc

Kids Definition

brisk

adjective

ˈbrisk

1

: very active or alert : lively

2

: very refreshing

brisk autumn weather

3

: energetic, quick

a brisk pace

briskly adverb

briskness noun