calisthenics

noun

cal·​is·​then·​ics ˌka-ləs-ˈthe-niks How to pronounce calisthenics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: systematic rhythmic bodily exercises performed usually without apparatus
2
usually singular in construction : the art or practice of calisthenics

Examples of calisthenics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After their meal, pollywogs did calisthenics and the initiation continued. Staff Author, Peoplemag, 25 Jan. 2023 In fact, that woman’s reaction is part of what Morgan wanted to evoke through cannabis calisthenics — and why 90 percent of her clients are women. Joel Stein, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2023 Another year, another casual calisthenics lesson from Cam’ron, the last avatar of the intricately economical style that dominated Harlem rap in the ’90s and remains staggering to observe. Lindsay Zoladz, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2022 For me, the next goal is to conquer calisthenics and keep getting stronger. Jesse Hicks, Men's Health, 4 Nov. 2022 By that point, the plebes had already been put under great pressure by the older cadets, who forced them to perform calisthenics at all hours. Sydney Trent, Washington Post, 2 Nov. 2022 This involved a sort of puppy calisthenics program. Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2022 Miller shows off some impressive calisthenics, contorting her body every which way when the demon makes its presence known. Courtney Howard, Variety, 29 Sep. 2022 On a sweltering day last week, three seniors from Goodwin House Alexandria sat in the barn’s indoor riding arena as Wallingford guided them through gentle calisthenics. Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 28 July 2022

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

Greek kalos beautiful + sthenos strength

First Known Use

1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of calisthenics was in 1827

Dictionary Entries Near calisthenics

Cite this Entry

“Calisthenics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calisthenics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

calisthenics

noun singular or plural
cal·​is·​then·​ics ˌkal-əs-ˈthen-iks How to pronounce calisthenics (audio)
1
: exercises to develop strength and flexibility that are done without special equipment
2
: the art or practice of calisthenics
calisthenic
-ik
adjective
Etymology

from Greek kalos "beautiful" and sthenos "strength"

Word Origin
The benefits that exercise can have for both strength and looks are suggested by the origin of the word calisthenics. Calisthenics was made by joining the Greek kalos, meaning "beautiful," and sthenos, meaning "strength." The word was originally used to refer to exercises done by young women, but it later gained the more general meaning that we now know.

Medical Definition

calisthenics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
cal·​is·​then·​ics
variants or British callisthenics
1
: systematic rhythmic bodily exercises performed usually without apparatus
2
usually singular in construction : the art or practice of calisthenics
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