muscle memory

noun

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of muscle memory

: the ability to repeat a specific muscular movement with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition

They practice their routines with mind-numbing repetitiveness, for hours and days, weeks and years, so that each spinning, twisting landing off the high bar becomes an act of muscle memory.
—E. M. Swift

Recent Examples of muscle memory from the Web

So while many Americans may not have been paying attention in the run-up, the tournament will undoubtedly be front of mind as the muscle memory kicks back in.

— roger bennett, GQ, "Un-American Football: Your Guide to Enjoying This Yankee-Free World Cup," 12 June 2018
Morgan is also the only regular contributor left on Indiana’s roster with the muscle memory of a Big Ten title.

— zach osterman, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Juwan Morgan's return means raised expectations for IU basketball," 29 May 2018
Then begins the sense of déjà vu, of tragedies blurring together, of muscle memory.

— kate guarino, refinery29.com, "In One Year As A Journalist, I’ve Lost Track Of All The Mass Shootings I’ve Covered," 29 May 2018
Embiid needs to continue to develop the muscle memory that will enable him to maximize his prodigious gifts with his back to the basket.

— david murphy, Philly.com, "The real story of Sixers-Celtics? It's simpler than some think | David Murphy," 6 May 2018
Meanwhile, researchers have found that reading fiction improves general brain function and connectivity, boosting emotional intelligence and even muscle memory — handy skills for any job.

— charlotte cowles, The Cut, "8 Books to Read When You’re Stuck in a Rut at Work," 12 Apr. 2018
As the defensive muscle memory of the Moyes era faded, weaknesses were exposed.

— SI.com, "Why Everton Must Learn From Their History in Next Managerial Appointment or Be Doomed to Repeat it," 18 May 2018
Back when Apple released the iPhone X last fall, veteran users of prior models had to retrain their muscle memory and embrace new navigational gestures in the absence of a physical Home button.

— edward c. baig, USA TODAY, "Google's Android P navigation is a lot like the Phone X," 9 May 2018
As Tuesday's news conference wrapped up, the two men, as if propelled almost by sheer muscle memory, offered up yet another robust handshake.

— ashley parker, courant.com, "'Playful dominance': The touchy-feely relationship between Trump and Macron," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'muscle memory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.