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

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

"Launching every three years, your skills atrophy, you lose muscle memory."

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

Though I’ve barely touched a stick shift in the last 40 years, as with riding a bicycle, you never fully lose the muscle memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

But when you’re on morning autopilot, routine and muscle memory know no reason.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman