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

They have muscle memory from their last Ashes rebuild four years ago, against the same opponents, beginning on the same ground.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 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

But overcoming that fear and engaging in collective action will build momentum, and a type of muscle memory, where the new rule becomes action and not inaction.

From Salon • Mar. 3, 2026

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

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson