Definition of quick
2 : acting or capable of acting with speed: such asa (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 tempersb (1) : fast in development or occurrence a quick succession of events (2) : done or taking place with rapidity gave them a quick lookc : marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of physical movement walked with quick stepsd : inclined to hastiness (as in action or response) quick to criticizee : capable of being easily and speedily prepared a quick and tasty dinner
3a archaic : not stagnant : running, flowingb : moving, shifting quick mud
6 archaic : pregnant
7 : having a sharp angle a quick turn in the road
quickly
adverbquickness
nounPeople Are Reading
Examples of quick in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of quick
Middle English quik, from Old English cwic; akin to Old Norse kvikr living, Latin vivus living, vivere to live, Greek bios, zōē life
Synonym Discussion of quick
synonyms see in addition fast
quick
Definition of quick
1 quick plural : living beings
2 [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 remarkc : the very center of something : heart
3 archaic : life 11
Examples of quick in a Sentence
that nasty comment cut me to the quick
First Known Use of quick
before 12th century
quick
Definition of quick
: in a quick manner
Examples of quick in a Sentence
a scheme to get rich quick
I got used to living with a roommate pretty quick.
I can't run any quicker.
First Known Use of quick
14th century
QUICK Defined for English Language Learners
quick
playDefinition of quick for English Language Learners
-
: done or happening in a short amount of time
-
: fast in thinking, learning, or understanding
-
: fast in moving or reacting
quick
Definition of quick for English Language Learners
-
: in a fast or quick manner
QUICK Defined for Kids
Definition of quick for Students
quicker
;quickest
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
quickly
adverb I ate quickly.quickness
nounHistory for quick
The word quick first meant “alive.” Most animals that are alive can move and run, so quick came to mean “moving” or “running.” From this sense came the sense of quick that is most familiar today: “fast.” New senses have come from this common sense. Quick can mean “alert,” which is “fast in understanding,” or “reacting fast.”
Definition of quick for Students
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.
Medical Dictionary
quick
Medical Definition of quick
1quick plural : living beings
2: a painfully sensitive spot or area of flesh (as that underlying a fingernail)
Learn More about quick
-
See words that rhyme with quick Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quick Spanish Central: Translation of quick Nglish: Translation of quick for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of quick for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quick
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up quick? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!