brisk

American  

[brisk] / brɪsk /

adjective

brisker, briskest

1. quick and active; lively.

   brisk trading;

   a brisk walk.

   Synonyms:

   alert, energetic, spry

   Antonyms:

   languid

2. sharp and stimulating: brisk wind.

   brisk weather;

   brisk wind.

3. (of liquors) effervescing vigorously.

   brisk cider.

4. abrupt; curt.

   I was surprised by her rather brisk tone.

---

verb (used with or without object)

brisked, brisking

1. to make or become brisk; liven (often followed byup ).

brisk British  

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   a brisk walk

   trade was brisk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

---

verb

1. (often foll by up) to enliven; make or become brisk

Other Word Forms

• briskly adverb
• briskness noun

Etymology

Origin of brisk

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

South Korea’s exports posted stronger-than-expected growth on brisk semiconductor demand in the year’s final month and set an annual record in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal

“D” words roll smoothly into their brisk train-going-down-a-track-type tempo, often referred to as the “cattle rattle.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Reaves was “continuing to push himself” to return soon, Redick said, and Ayton had some “swelling” in his elbow but had a “brisk, intense individual workout.”

From Los Angeles Times

It will be a much drier day overall, with patchy rain and brisk winds developing in the far west later on.

From BBC

Most companies aren’t cutting workers en masse, but they also aren’t hiring at a brisk pace owing to a variety of concerns, including uncertainty over how tariffs will affect their bottom lines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• energetic
• lively
• quick
• speedy
• spry
• vigorous