aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌer-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
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 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.

Example Sentences

aerobic exercises like running and swimming aerobic organisms such as bacteria
Recent Examples on the Web Low-impact aerobic exercise like walking or biking is recommended. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 11 May 2023 Because walking is an aerobic exercise, many think of its health benefits as being cardiovascular alone. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 9 May 2023 For that and more, see below for a list of the best aerobic steppers that have been tried and tested by reviewers. Jasmine Gomez, womenshealthmag.com, 13 May 2023 Kids between 5 and 17 years old should be moderately or vigorously active with mostly aerobic exercise for at least an hour a day to reap the physical and mental health benefits, the World Health Organization recommends. Ashley R. Williams, CNN, 7 May 2023 Sprint workouts have also been seen to improve aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Emily Abbate, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2023 According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than one in four Americans get the minimal amount of aerobic and resistance exercise recommended by the federal government. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 30 Mar. 2023 In 2019, when Driftline—an in-development app that measures aerobic endurance based on heart rate alone—approached him, he was intrigued. Cassie Shortsleeve, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2023 Choose between this foot spa's vibrating massage, heating and aerobic bubble massage, or a mix of each for supreme woosah. Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Feb. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aerobic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerobic was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near aerobic

Cite this Entry

“Aerobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

aerobic

adjective
aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
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 adverb

Medical Definition

aerobic

adjective
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 adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on aerobic

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