fast forward

¹ American  

[fast fawr-werd, fahst-] / ˈfæst ˈfɔr wərd, ˈfɑst- /

noun

1. a function of an audio or video recorder or player, as a cassette deck or DVR, that allows the content to be advanced rapidly.

2. the button or other control that activates this function.

---

fast-forward ² American  

[fast-fawr-werd, fahst-] / ˈfæstˈfɔr wərd, ˈfɑst- /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to advance an audio or video recording rapidly.

   I always fast-forward through the TV ads that get recorded on my DVR.

2. to skip over a period of time and arrive at a future point in the timeline, especially in narration.

   Fast-forward six months, she’s gotten engaged and is moving to Europe!

---

fast-forward British  

noun

1. (sometimes not hyphenated) the control on a tape deck or video recorder used to wind the tape or video forward at speed

2. informal a state of urgency or rapid progress

   my mind went into fast forward

---

verb

1. (tr) to wind (a video or tape) forward using the fast-forward control

2. to deal with speedily

   fast-forward the trials of the new drug

3. (intr) to move forward through a tape or video using the fast-forward control

4. (usually foll by to) to direct one's attention towards a particular time or event, ignoring intervening material

   fast-forward to the summer of 2008

Etymology

Origin of fast-forward

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Fast forward to 2026 and Matheson is part of a Macclesfield squad riding the crest of a wave in the FA Cup and preparing to face Brentford in the fourth round on Monday.

From BBC

Fast forward to 2026 and in comments to Sky News, Ratcliffe only reiterated half of his previous enthusiasm, saying, "Keir is a nice man. I like him, but it's a tough job and I think you have to do some difficult things with the UK to get it back on track."

From BBC

Fast forward to 2026 and and their tour sold out in minutes,

From BBC

Fast forward a decade later, the debate of which spot is better still continues, but at least we can now enjoy both.

From Los Angeles Times

Fast forward to today, however, and that nuclear-free vision is yet to materialize.

From Slate