kinesiology

noun

ki·​ne·​si·​ol·​o·​gy kə-ˌnē-sē-ˈä-lə-jē 

kī-, 

-zē- 

: the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement

kinesiologist

kə-ˌnē-sē-ˈä-lə-jist 

kī-, 

-zē- 

noun

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Kinesiologists study the acquisition of motor skills, the mechanical aspects of movement, and the body's responses to physical activity. A kinesiologist may work in a public-school fitness program, design exercise programs for people with and without disabilities, or work with patients recovering from disease, accidents, and surgery. As a field of research, kinesiology focuses particularly on the mechanics of muscular activity.

Examples of kinesiology in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While that might sound like a disadvantage, humans are adaptable, says Martin MacInnis, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Calgary. —Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 20 May 2026

Begin with a bachelor’s degree in fields like psychology, biology, health sciences, kinesiology or human development. —Bybryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Anisa Morava, a PhD student in kinesiology at Western University, ran a similar comparison and found that even a 20-minute walk could match caffeine on key measures. —Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 May 2026

As a 25-year-old kinesiology graduate student at Cal State Fullerton, Matthew Nguyen has effectively grown up with online and social media as part of his DNA. —Greg Mellen, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kinēsis

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for kinesiology

• aetiology
• anthropology
• archaeology
• archeology
• audiology
• cardiology
• climatology
• cohomology
• cosmetology
• criminology
• demonology
• dermatology

Medical Definition

kinesiology

noun

ki·​ne·​si·​ol·​o·​gy kə-ˌnē-sē-ˈäl-ə-jē  kī- 

-zē-

plural kinesiologies

: the study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to human movement

kinesiologic

-ō-ˈläj-ik 

adjective

or kinesiological

-i-kəl