aerobics

plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌer-ˈō-biks 

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

Is Pony Sweat, or any other dance aerobics practice, necessarily cool in the traditional sense of the word? —Emma Specter, Vogue, 5 June 2025

The six-time All-Star led that morning’s aerobics class. —Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 18 May 2025

Bonnie Jean Holcomb, who moved to Kansas City in 2012 to be closer to family, was deeply engaged both with Martin City Baptist Church and her favorite water aerobics classes, according to an obituary shared online. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025

Founder Jim Autry created the sneaker brand, focusing on shoes made for tennis, running, and aerobics. —Vogue, 2 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

aerob(ic) + -ics

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aerobics

• step aerobics

Kids Definition

aerobics

singular or plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-biks 

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 

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