fitness

noun

fit·​ness ˈfit-nəs How to pronounce fitness (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being fit
2
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms
also : the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes

Examples of fitness in a Sentence

a gymnastics program promoting fitness and agility in school-aged children I have to question the fitness of wearing a bright red dress to a funeral.
Recent Examples on the Web Completed in 2006, the 11-story boutique condominium packs in the perks for residents of its 14 units, including a 60-foot indoor lap pool, a fitness center with a steam room, bike storage, and laundry facilities. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024 Here’s everything to know about Andrew Haynes and his relationship with the multi-hyphenated fitness star. Blake Bakkila, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024 Following his first season with the Charlotte 49ers — who close out their regular season at 4 p.m. Saturday against East Carolina — Milicic Jr. was trying to increase his fitness as practices got shorter. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024 Jackson added that Trump performed exceedingly well during a cognitive exam, a test that Jackson scheduled to rebut growing questions about the president’s fitness for office. Alex Horton, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 By comparison, walking covers all the bases, including burning calories, promoting circulation, improving cardiovascular fitness, and more. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 7 Mar. 2024 After DeSantis dropped out of the race, Haley, 52, ramped up her attacks on Trump, going after the former president's age on the campaign trail and questioning the 77-year-old former president's mental fitness. Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 Business leaders have been scrambling to find new ways to keep workers happy and engaged over the past few years—from offering on-site therapy, to fitness classes and time management courses. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 This might be walking without crutches or a boot, doing an overhead press without shoulder pain, or returning to a group fitness class (with appropriate modifications, of course). Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fitness was in 1580

Dictionary Entries Near fitness

Cite this Entry

“Fitness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitness. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

fitness

noun
fit·​ness ˈfit-nəs How to pronounce fitness (audio)
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductively fertile offspring as compared to competing organisms
also : the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes

More from Merriam-Webster on fitness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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