aerobics

plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌer-ˈō-biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
1
singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (such as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
2
: aerobic exercises

Did you know?

This is a system of physical conditioning intended to improve the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. Aerobic exercises, such as running, jogging, swimming, and dancing, stimulate heart and lung activity. To produce a benefit, aerobic training must raise the heart rate (pulse) to the exerciser’s training level for at least 20 minutes and include at least three sessions a week.

Examples of aerobics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Watching Beethoven rock out on multiple electronic keyboards while Joan of Arc takes over an aerobics class is priceless. Jennifer Ouellette and Sean M. Carroll, Ars Technica, 24 Nov. 2023 The look picked back up—again in an exercise capacity—in the 1980s with the aerobics craze. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2023 This is Leslie, a 64-year-old dancer and former aerobics champion in a tiny lace corseted minidress. Mireille Silcoff, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2023 Exercises offered at the fitness stations range from aerobics to yoga, resistance bands and more, where participants can work with fitness trainers. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 7 July 2023 But Americans’ fascination with the game also marks the rare convergence of sport and lifestyle, much like yoga, aerobics and jogging did in years past. Jaclyn Peiser, Washington Post, 4 Sep. 2023 All About the Country Musician In their respective houses, Richards attempts to seduce Wade by showing off her physique in an ‘80s-style aerobics outfit and silver stilettos. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2023 However, by the mid-’80s, the company was losing significant market share in America to Nike and its high-flying flagship basketball phenomenon Michael Jordan, as well as to Reebok, a major player in the aerobics explosion. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2023 Among other things, Barbie is a nurse, doctor, aerobics instructor, pilot — and, as the state police pointed out, a police officer. Aurora Sousanis, Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aerobics.' 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

aerob(ic) + -ics

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerobics was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near aerobics

Cite this Entry

“Aerobics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobics. Accessed 11 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

aerobics

noun singular or plural
aer·​o·​bics ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
ˌe(-ə)r-
: a system of exercises intended to improve the body's ability to take in and use oxygen

Medical Definition

aerobics

noun plural
aer·​o·​bics -biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
1
singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
2
: aerobic exercises
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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