muscle memory

American  

[muhs-uhl mem-uh-ree] / ˈmʌs əl ˌmɛm ə ri /

noun

1. Psychology, Physiology. the ability, acquired through repetition, to complete a particular muscular movement quickly, efficiently, and without conscious effort.

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Etymology

Origin of muscle memory

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

muscle memory

But he ably defends Alys from a group of invaders, relying on muscle memory and — perhaps — a sense of honor to pay her back for saving his life.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 20, 2026

The team practised penalties regularly and sought to replicate, as far as possible, the actual experience in training to help the process become more driven by muscle memory.

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

“Households and firms have just lived through a large inflation shock and may be more sensitive to rising costs. The muscle memory is fresh,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 29, 2026

“The muscle memory from the post-‘liberation day’ selloff is still clearly with investors,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Reilly Wealth, during an interview with MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 8, 2026

They leap into battle, the steps to the dance burned into their muscle memory.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson