: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly especially during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength compare slow-twitch

Examples of fast-twitch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
It is largely driven by the loss of fast-twitch muscle fibers—responsible for explosive movements—and declines in reactivity, or the ability to respond quickly to a threat, such as a misstep on uneven ground. Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 In addition, explosive exercises like sprinting and skipping help retain fast-twitch muscle fibers, crucial for power and reaction time. Jesse Pines, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 For example, a male in their 20s with a large percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers (those that respond to growth the easiest) could gain lean muscle mass at a rate of two pounds per month. Sherri Gordon, Health, 18 Mar. 2025 Keep going: Challenge your fast-twitch muscle fibers by incorporating sprints. Jen Murphy, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025 These machines are great for casual pastimes and video streaming, not for fast-twitch fragging. PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025 Some people may have a higher proportion of fast-twitch muscle fibers with greater growth potential. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 25 Nov. 2024 With its fast-twitch wit, astringent dialogue, and lyrical dialogue, Hall’s absorbing play is reminiscent of works by August Wilson, Tennessee Williams, Tracy Letts, and Jez Butterworth, whose The Hills of California similarly focuses on a group of siblings reunited by a mother’s illness. Rhoda Feng, Vogue, 25 Nov. 2024 Strengthens fast-twitch muscle fibers, which helps with quick, powerful movements. Fred Sassani, Austin American-Statesman, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fast-twitch was in 1958

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fast-twitch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fast-twitch. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

fast-twitch

adjective
: of, relating to, or being muscle fiber that contracts quickly especially during brief high-intensity physical activity requiring strength compare slow-twitch
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!