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. Reilly 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

That goal remains unchanged, but the US space agency is shifting its flight lineup to include a test mission before an eventual lunar landing to improve launch "muscle memory," Isaacman said.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 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

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