fast-forward

1 of 2

noun

fast-for·​ward ˌfas(t)-ˈfȯr-wərd 

often attributive

1

: a function of an electronic device that advances a recording at a higher than normal speed

2

: a state or an instance of rapid advancement

put her career in fast-forward

fast-forward

2 of 2

verb

fast-forwarded; fast-forwarding; fast-forwards

transitive verb

1

: to advance (as a recording) using the fast-forward function

2

: to bypass (something, such as a commercial) by fast-forwarding

intransitive verb

1

: to advance a recording using fast-forward

2

: to proceed rapidly forward especially in time

fast-forward to the future

Examples of fast-forward in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But fast-forward to 2025, and fur’s place in popular culture is increasingly called into question, due to concerns about animal welfare and growing mainstream awareness of the inhumane methods employed in fur farming. —Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 5 Dec. 2025

Then fast-forward to 2019, he was indicted federally on charges of conspiracy for trafficking in minors. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025

Verb

The Spurs flipped to the Hawks – then considered a burgeoning playoff team – for a slew of future draft picks that could fast-forward their reconstruction project. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 18 Mar. 2023

Let’s fast-forward to Kerry Condon’s look at this year’s Golden Globes. —Monica Corcoran Harel, Variety, 8 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1947, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1965, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for fast-forward

• henceforward
• straightforward
• thenceforward
• carryforward
• equatorward
• forward
• shoreward

Kids Definition

fast-forward

1 of 2 noun

fast-for·​ward

ˌfast-ˈfȯr-wərd

1

: a function of an electronic device that advances a recording at a higher than normal speed

2

: a state of rapid advancement

fast-forward

2 of 2 verb

1

: to advance (a tape) at a high speed

2

: to advance rapidly especially in time

fast-forward to the future