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

There's still a ways to go, though, as the company's plans call for a delivery start a year from now in January 2027, which will sadly fast-forward right past the three most comfortable seasons for camping in the back of a truck. —New Atlas, 9 Jan. 2026

Both managers’ careers seem to be in fast-forward, even if the precise nature of their jobs is different. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

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