muscle memory

noun

: the ability to repeat a specific muscular movement with improved efficiency and accuracy that is acquired through practice and repetition
They practice their routines with mind-numbing repetitiveness, for hours and days, weeks and years, so that each spinning, twisting landing off the high bar becomes an act of muscle memory.E. M. Swift

Examples of muscle memory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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If Softbank can make a couple of other strategic acquisitions to cover interconnects and networking, and the company will have the IP, people and go-to-market muscle memory to compete effectively in relatively short order. Matt Kimball, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Athletes understand that repetition builds muscle memory and confidence. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Mar. 2025 After years of tapping away on keys with a particular layout, people develop muscle memory. Ryan Whitwam, Ars Technica, 6 Mar. 2025 This brain-muscle connection is undoubtedly part of the story, but increasingly exercise scientists have realized muscle memory is more than neuromuscular conditioning. Will Stone, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for muscle memory

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muscle memory was in 1890

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Cite this Entry

“Muscle memory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscle%20memory. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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