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
Synonyms
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
Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Vincent Frank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike butter, which can be difficult to spread under and over the skin due to residual moisture, mayonnaise glides on smoothly, making total coverage quicker and easier.
—Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 June 2024
Stress hormones flood your system, making your heart pound, your blood pressure rise, your breath quicks, your thoughts race…and none of it is super conducive to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
—Anna Borges, SELF, 21 Dec. 2023
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
Don’t be too quick to buy into something that is a fleeting desire.
—Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
This video raises a lot of questions, many of which commenters on the video were quick to point out.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Previous indications ahead of the Lattimore deal were that the Commanders believe their window for contention opened up much quicker than the brass initially thought.
—Vincent Frank, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Unlike butter, which can be difficult to spread under and over the skin due to residual moisture, mayonnaise glides on smoothly, making total coverage quicker and easier.
—Nicole Hopper, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
Noun
The left-arm quick picked up the invaluable wicket of Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in history, who went out facing his first ball, and then Netravalkar got the wicket of India captain Rohit Sharma.
—Thomas Schlachter, CNN, 12 June 2024
Stress hormones flood your system, making your heart pound, your blood pressure rise, your breath quicks, your thoughts race…and none of it is super conducive to feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
—Anna Borges, SELF, 21 Dec. 2023
See all Example Sentences for quick
Articles Related to quick
Dictionary Entries Near quick
Cite this Entry
“Quick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quick. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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