rapid

American  

[rap-id] / ˈræp ɪd /

adjective

rapider, rapidest

1. occurring within a short time; happening speedily.

   rapid growth.

2. moving or acting with great speed; swift.

   a rapid worker.

3. characterized by speed.

   rapid motion.

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noun

1. Usually rapids a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.

rapid British  

/ ˈræpɪd, rəˈpɪdɪtɪ /

adjective

1. (of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick

   a rapid transformation

2. characterized by high speed

   rapid movement

3. acting or moving quickly; fast

   a rapid worker

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Related Words

See quick.

Other Word Forms

• rapidity noun
• rapidly adverb
• ultrarapid adjective

Etymology

Origin of rapid

First recorded in 1625–35, rapid is from the Latin word rapidus “tearing away, seizing, swift”; rape ¹, -id ⁴

Example Sentences

This is particularly likely in the container segment, where trans-shipment via Dubai’s Jebel Ali port has proven popular in recent years and driven rapid growth in shipping.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Indeed, so rapid his development, he was sent off as a 6-1 chance for the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

On this night, the mercenaries prevailed, in a pummeling so relentless and a silencing so rapid that a three-peat appeared all but inevitable: Dodgers 14, Blue Jays 2.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Anthropic’s rapid ascent appears to be shaking up the artificial-intelligence leaderboard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

Despite her chattering, Eilonwy kept a rapid pace.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

• accelerated
• breakneck
• brisk
• expeditious
• fast
• hasty
• speedy
• swift