aerobic

adjective aer·o·bic \ ˌer-ˈō-bik \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of aerobic

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

play \-bi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See aerobic defined for English-language learners

See aerobic defined for kids

Examples of aerobic in a Sentence

aerobic exercises like running and swimming
aerobic organisms such as bacteria

Recent Examples of aerobic from the Web

Cardio combo fusion This class offers a variety of cardio dance aerobic movement, low- and high-impact exercises and challenging interval training for ages 15 and older and from all fitness levels.

— milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tennis, cardio combo fusion, tree climbing all offered through Oconomowoc Rec Department," 3 Apr. 2018
Moderate aerobic exercise like jogging, power walking, and swimming have been found to increase the number of neurons making important connections in our brains.

— chicagotribune.com, "Study: Being forgetful might actually mean you're smarter," 28 Mar. 2018
But science suggests that all kids should get 60 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise every day to be at their cognitive best.

— peg tyre, Scientific American, "Trump Administration Advances School Vouchers Despite Scant Evidence," 1 Aug. 2017
Prior research has demonstrated SIT can improve both the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.

— NOLA.com, "Optimum Performance: SIT your way to better performance," 16 Mar. 2018
Gardening is a great aerobic exercise that helps with stamina, strength and flexibility. 5.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Here’s why rooftop gardens are good for your health, your house and your wallet," 8 Mar. 2018
The aerobic and cardio equipment at the facility is also easy to use.

— lainey seyler, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Shorehaven's new Strength and Fitness Centers caters to seniors," 1 Mar. 2018
Additionally, aerobic exercise helps to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, burn fat, and boost mood.

— kendra weisbrod, pt, Cincinnati.com, "Types of exercises," 5 Mar. 2018
Second aha: People who do moderate aerobic exercise, about three times a week for 45 minutes — have telomeres similar in length to marathon runners.

— sheah rarback, miamiherald, "How to stay healthy: Eat well, sleep well and keep moving | Miami Herald," 5 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'aerobic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.

Origin and Etymology of aerobic

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1875

See Words from the same year

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

AEROBIC Defined for English Language Learners

aerobic

adjective

Definition of aerobic for English Language Learners

of exercise : strengthening the heart and lungs by making them work hard for several minutes or more
: using oxygen

Medical Dictionary

aerobic

adjective aer·o·bic \ ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik, ˌe(-ə)r- \

medical Definition of aerobic

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