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
6
archaic
: pregnant
quickly
adverb
quickness
noun
: in a quick manner
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
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
In these scenarios, defenders have to bounce back onto their heels, creating an inflated amount of space — and giving the guard an immediate advantage in the first step to cut into open space and catch a quick flip pass for a rapid-fire shot.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Look no further than the Employee Self-Service Agent, Microsoft’s feature within Microsoft 365 Copilot to make HR and IT tasks quicker and easier for employees.
—Dr. Jeremy Nunn, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Grayson Haver Currin Eli Durst, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The 34-year-old won’t evade defenders with his quicks but repeatedly beats coverage off the first move and wins in traffic.
—Ben Standig, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quick
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
The bear blew past him half a stride, dug its front claws in the dirt, then spun a quick 180 and lunged at Bentzel.
—Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
In these scenarios, defenders have to bounce back onto their heels, creating an inflated amount of space — and giving the guard an immediate advantage in the first step to cut into open space and catch a quick flip pass for a rapid-fire shot.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Adverb
Shoppers suggest using an electric screwdriver to make assembly even quicker.
—Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Look no further than the Employee Self-Service Agent, Microsoft’s feature within Microsoft 365 Copilot to make HR and IT tasks quicker and easier for employees.
—Dr. Jeremy Nunn, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Noun
His career hamstrung by bipolar disorder and stints in psychiatric hospitals, Johnston first found acclaim as an unguarded and guileless songwriter in the late ’80s with tunes that cut instantly to the emotional quick.
—Grayson Haver Currin Eli Durst, New York Times, 1 May 2025
The 34-year-old won’t evade defenders with his quicks but repeatedly beats coverage off the first move and wins in traffic.
—Ben Standig, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quick
Cite this Entry
“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
quick
1 of 2 adjective2
a
: fast in understanding, thinking, or learning : mentally keen
b
: reacting with speed and alertness
c
: aroused immediately and easily
quick temper
d
: fast in development or occurrence
gave a quick look
e
: marked by speed, readiness, or promptness of action or movement
quick
adverb
quickly
adverb
quickness
noun
quick
2 of 2 noun1
: living persons
the quick and the dead
2
: a very tender area of flesh (as under a fingernail)
3
: one's innermost feelings
hurt to the quick by the remark
4
: the very center of something : heart
the quick of the matter
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share