(of an action or movement) performed or occurring during a short interval of time; quick acting or moving quickly; fast: a rapid worker
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
rap•id /ˈræpɪd/USA pronunciation
adj., -er, -est, n.
adj.
n.
rap•id•ly, adv. See -rape-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026adj.
- fast, quick-moving, swift:rapid motion; rapid growth.
n.
- GeographyUsually, rapids. [plural] a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.
rap•id•ly, adv. See -rape-.
rap•id
(rap′id),USA pronunciation adj., -er, -est, n.
adj.
n.
rap′id•ly, adv.
adj.
- occurring within a short time;
happening speedily:rapid growth. - moving or acting with great speed;
swift:a rapid worker. - characterized by speed:rapid motion.
n.
- GeographyUsually, rapids. a part of a river where the current runs very swiftly.
- Latin rapidus tearing away, seizing, swift. See rape1, -id4
- 1625–35
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged See quick.
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'rapidness' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):