Quick means happening fast or taking very little time. A quick answer comes right away, without delay. A quick lunch might take only ten minutes instead of an hour. When you're quick to understand something, you grasp it immediately without needing extra explanation.

The word describes both speed and sharpness of mind. A student who is quick at mental math can calculate numbers rapidly in their head. Someone with a quick wit responds to jokes or situations with clever remarks almost instantly. Animals like rabbits and squirrels are known for their quick movements, darting away from danger in a flash.

Quick suggests efficiency and alertness. When a basketball player makes a quick decision to pass the ball, they're reading the game and reacting without wasting time. A quick thinker spots problems and solutions faster than others might.

The word also appears in phrases like “quick as a flash” or “quick on your feet,” which mean being able to respond rapidly to changing situations. Being quick isn't about rushing carelessly. It means combining speed with skill, like a chef's quick knife work that's both fast and precise.