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

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

“I find that you have a muscle memory for the stuff that you’ve done,” said the chef, 63, who has recently taken up two passions: guitar and swimming.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

So, I stocked the fridge with fizzy stand-ins to satisfy the muscle memory of holding a drink, and just before January commenced, I started watching YouTube to remind me the mission was noble and right.

From Slate • Feb. 15, 2026

While risk markets’ muscle memory is strong, nothing was solved by the events of the past week, observes Carl B. Weinberg, the veteran head of High Frequency Economics.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

He kept at it, lining up the pucks and slapping them at me, faster and faster, and it didn’t take long for the muscle memory to kick in.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely