quick

adjective

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\ ˈkwik

Definition of quick

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

3 : not dead : living, alive

4a : moving, shifting quick mud

b archaic : not stagnant : running, flowing

5 archaic : fiery, glowing

6 archaic : pregnant

7 obsolete

a : pungent

b : caustic

quick

adverb

Definition of quick (Entry 2 of 3)

: in a quick manner

quick

noun

Definition of quick (Entry 3 of 3)

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

Other Words from quick Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Phrases Containing quick Learn More About quick

Choose the Right Synonym for quick

Adjective

quick, prompt, ready, apt mean able to respond without delay or hesitation or indicative of such ability. quick stresses instancy of response and is likely to connote native rather than acquired power. quick reflexes a keen quick mind prompt is more likely to connote training and discipline that fits one for instant response. prompt emergency medical care ready suggests facility or fluency in response. backed by a pair of ready assistants apt stresses the possession of qualities (such as intelligence, a particular talent, or a strong bent) that makes quick effective response possible. an apt student her answer was apt and to the point

synonyms see in addition fast

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 See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Stoltenberg has said the membership process for both could be quick — but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a NATO member, has cast doubt on that. — Oleksandr Stashevskyi And Ciaran Mcquillan, Anchorage Daily News, 17 May 2022 But in a quick about-face, cross-examination found Vasquez grilling an unemotional Heard about why Depp hadn’t made eye contact with her at all during the trial. — Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2022 Nissan Stans will surely be quick to point out that that's 18 horses more than the Supra. — Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 16 May 2022 But President Obama was quick to make clear to Mr. Putin and other dictators that America would be leading any remaining freedom agenda from behind. — Garry Kasparov, WSJ, 16 May 2022 As fans were quick to point out, he's had mullets before. — Allure, 16 May 2022 Stoltenberg said Sunday that the process for Finland and Sweden to join could be very quick. — Compiled Democrat-gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 16 May 2022 Wynonna was quick to offer a little levity about their slightly more complicated mother-daughter dynamic as a performing duo. — Jon Freeman, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2022 Though Fanning was quick to have a laugh with Clarkson over her necklace, Clarkson ultimately had nothing but love for Fanning's small memorial. — Hattie Lindert, PEOPLE.com, 16 May 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb Dozens of people were forced to evacuate their homes near Laguna Beach after a quick-moving wildfire broke out on Wednesday, according to officials. — Abigail Adams, PEOPLE.com, 12 May 2022 The bill has no other committee assignments in the Senate, traditionally a sign of quick-moving legislation. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, 18 Mar. 2022 Order online and pick it up from the quick-moving drive-thru. — Brooke Viggiano, Chron, 15 Mar. 2022 Before everyone started to copy the idea, contactless delivery was a great way for quick-thinking entrepreneurs to stay afloat and boost their sales during a difficult time. — John Hall, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2021 The cat's fall was broken by an American flag, held aloft by some quick-thinking fans. — Scooby Axson, USA TODAY, 12 Sep. 2021 Since the game wasn’t televised and only 75 people were in attendance, it was left to quick-thinking North Texas sports information director Tate Hawkins to capture the historic moment. — Dallas News, 12 Apr. 2021 After people streamed out of the train, quick-thinking transit workers ushered passengers to another train across the platform for safety, said Lieber, the MTA chairman. — Karen Matthews And Michael R. Sisak, Anchorage Daily News, 13 Apr. 2022 After people streamed out of the train, quick-thinking transit workers ushered passengers to another train across the platform for safety, system chief Janno Lieber noted. — Jim Mustian, chicagotribune.com, 12 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Down by 7 with 4:30 to go in the third quarter, Brady delivered a quick out to Edelman, who then connected with Danny Amendola for the 51-yard touchdown pass. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 10 Dec. 2021 Hall’s adaptation cuts to the quick of the novel and transfers the shifting, unsettling quality of Larsen’s text back onto the viewer’s shoulders. — New York Times, 20 Oct. 2021 Jones took the snap and fired a quick out to Henry for 6 yards and the first down. — BostonGlobe.com, 14 Sep. 2021 While doing that quick of a workout might not seem worth the effort to pull on a sports bra and lace up your sneakers, there are actually a ton of compelling reasons to squeeze in a super-short session. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 11 July 2021 Strict border control, and a public quick to wear masks and take precautions after the experience of the 2003 SARS epidemic, have meant that Taiwan recorded a little more than 2,000 cases and 14 deaths. — Washington Post, 12 May 2021 Speed out Once again, Washington targeted a Browns linebacker (B.J. Goodson) by throwing a quick out to running back J.D. McKissic. — Ellis L. Williams, cleveland, 2 Oct. 2020 Cutting to our cultural quick is the show’s spin on a typical U.S. response to a nationwide problem: anger, paranoia and plenty of ulterior motives looking to make use of each. — Jacob Oller, chicagotribune.com, 25 Sep. 2020 Nothing this quick comes any cheaper-except GMC's Syclone pickup. — Arthur St. Antoine, Car and Driver, 19 May 2020 See More

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

Learn More About quick

Dictionary Entries Near quick

Quichuan

quick

quick and dirty

Statistics for quick

Last Updated

19 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for quick

quick

adjective

\ ˈkwik

quicker; quickest

Kids Definition of quick

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : done or taking place in a very short period of time a quick look a quick nap

2 : very swift : speedy quick steps

3 : fast in learning or understanding : mentally alert a quick mind

4 : easily stirred up a quick temper

quick

noun

Kids Definition of quick (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : a very tender area of flesh (as under a fingernail)

2 : someone's innermost feelings She was hurt to the quick by the remark.

quick

adverb

quicker; quickest

Kids Definition of quick (Entry 3 of 3)

: in a quick manner : fast Come quick!

Choose the Right Synonym for quick

Adjective

quick, prompt, and ready mean able to respond right away. quick is used when the response is immediate and often when the ability is part of a person's nature. He has quick reflexes. prompt is used when the ability to respond right away is the product of training and discipline. The store gives prompt service. ready is used when the response comes easy or is smooth. He always had a ready answer to every question.