quick time

American

noun

Military. a rate of marching in which 120 paces, each of 30 inches (76.2 centimeters), are taken in a minute.

quick time British

noun

military the normal marching rate of 120 paces to the minute Compare double time double time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of quick time

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But he was likely running less fuel or a higher engine mode than his rivals, or both, to set such a quick time.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

“That’s a pretty significant shift in a pretty quick time period.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

In cloudy conditions at the Monte Carlo Country Club, Djokovic secured two service breaks to lead 4-0 in quick time, before Safiullin finally held serve.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2024

Brook’s dismissal, edging Josh Hazlewood behind to Alex Carey, brought Bairstow to the crease and he crunched 34 not out in quick time alongside Root, who had dropped anchor by this point.

From Washington Times • Jul. 29, 2023

If you don't get out of their way in double quick time they simply sit down on you.

From Leaves in the Wind by Gardiner, A. G. (Alfred George)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023