muscle memory

[ muhs-uhl mem-uh-ree ]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of muscle memory¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Unfortunately for the president, our muscle memory expected something, anything, that might convey strong leadership in a crisis.

From The Daily Beast

With each horrific televised dispatch the muscle memory twitches.

From The Daily Beast

The technique part of the equation involves repetition in order to provide what he calls “muscle memory.”

From The Daily Beast

The answer is quick because I've said it so often that it's muscle memory for my tongue and vocal chords.

From The Daily Beast