aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌer-ˈō-bik 

1

: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen

aerobic respiration

2

: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes

aerobic fermentation

3

a

: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate

stationary bicycles used for aerobic conditioning

an aerobic workout

Aerobic exercise involves pushing your heart rate to 70% to 85% of its maximum, and keeping it there for 20 to 60 minutes at a time.

—Tara Parker-Pope

b

: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise

… the average exerciser can skip a couple of weeks without experiencing declines in aerobic capacity or the ability of the heart and lungs to supply the muscles with oxygen …

—Consumer Reports on Health

c

: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity

aerobic equipment

aerobically

ˌer-ˈō-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Aerobic exercise is exercise that takes an extended amount of time—usually ten minutes or more—but is usually performed at only moderate intensity. Running, swimming, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are classic aerobic exercises. In 1968 a best-selling book called Aerobics introduced a system of exercise for increasing the body's ability to take in and use oxygen, and today aerobics classes, often mimicking such outdoor exercise as running and bicycling, take place every afternoon in thousands of gyms and YMCAs across the country. Aerobic exercise particularly strengthens the heart and lungs, but usually has many other good effects as well. Aerobic bacteria, which need oxygen to live, are essential for breaking down living matter so that it returns to the soil. They include the famous intestinal E. coli, as well as the staph and strep bacteria that can make a visit to the hospital risky.

Examples of aerobic in a Sentence

aerobic exercises like running and swimming

aerobic organisms such as bacteria

Recent Examples on the Web

The goal is to work into your 150 minutes of weekly activity a combination of the following: three days of weight-bearing aerobic exercise, two days of resistance training, and two days of balance work and light-impact exercises. —Jessica Dulong, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

Research also shows that moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking and cycling, increases blood flow to the back, which encourages tissue repair and reduces inflammation and stiffness. —Katie Camero, SELF, 20 June 2025

People who also routinely do aerobic exercise, like running, may see less of an impact than those who typically perform higher-intensity workouts, like weightlifting.10 6. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 16 June 2025

Most experts recommend combining the following: Experts recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and two days of strength training each week. —Jennifer Steinhoff, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French aérobie "living only in the presence of oxygen" + -ic entry 1 — more at aerobe

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for aerobic

• anaerobic
• claustrophobic
• homophobic
• hydrophobic
• phobic

Kids Definition

aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik 

ˌe(-ə)r-

1

: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen

2

: of, relating to, or caused by aerobic organisms (as bacteria)

3

: involving or increasing oxygen use

aerobic exercise

aerobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik, ˌe(-ə)r- 

1

: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen

aerobic respiration

2

: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes

aerobic fermentation

3

a

: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate

aerobic exercise

b

: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise

aerobic capacity

c

: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity

aerobic shoes

aerobically

-bi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb