brisk

American  

[brisk] / brɪsk /

adjective

brisker, briskest

1. quick and active; lively.

   brisk trading;

   a brisk walk.

   Synonyms:

   alert, energetic, spry

   Antonyms:

   languid

2. sharp and stimulating: brisk wind.

   brisk weather;

   brisk wind.

3. (of liquors) effervescing vigorously.

   brisk cider.

4. abrupt; curt.

   I was surprised by her rather brisk tone.

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verb (used with or without object)

brisked, brisking

1. to make or become brisk; liven (often followed byup ).

brisk British  

/ brɪsk /

adjective

1. lively and quick; vigorous

   a brisk walk

   trade was brisk

2. invigorating or sharp

   brisk weather

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verb

1. (often foll by up) to enliven; make or become brisk

Other Word Forms

• briskly adverb
• briskness noun

Etymology

Origin of brisk

First recorded in 1580–90; of uncertain origin

Explanation

Brisk is one of those delightful words that sounds like what it means: quick, lively, bracing, and refreshing. There's nothing like a brisk walk in the morning to get the blood flowing and the spirit ready for the day. Anything brisk is happening quickly but not too fast. Probably taken from the French brusque, which also means "quick," but in a more negative way, brisk can be used to describe not only physical actions but also more conceptual notions, such as brisk business around the holidays or brisk interactions at a speed-dating event. The soft-drink called Brisk must be called that for a good reason. Perhaps it picks you up!

Example Sentences

Loyal alumni, brisk fundraising and success placing students in jobs and graduate schools are cause for optimism, they said, despite the challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

He has high standards and can be brisk in cutting off lawyers not up to snuff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Policy decisions can pull yields in different directions, particularly when geopolitical events are moving at a brisk clip.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

By Wednesday, the UK will be dominated by cold, brisk north to north-west winds, reaching gale force in places.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

But the wind was brisk and mean and they had hours in the dark and mud before the return to the Anatomy House.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

• energetic
• lively
• quick
• speedy
• spry
• vigorous