physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ ˈfi-zi-kəl \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: physical in a Sentence

Definition of physical

1 a : of or relating to natural science

b (1) : of or relating to physics

(2) : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics

2 a : having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature

everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance
—Thomas De Quincey

b : of or relating to material things

3 a : of or relating to the body

physical abuse

b (1) : concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs : carnal

physical appetites

(2) : sexual

a physical love affair

physical attraction

c : characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough

a physical hockey game

a physical player

—

physically

play \ˈfi-zi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

—

physicalness

play \ˈfi-zi-kəl-nəs\ noun

See physical defined for English-language learners

See physical defined for kids

Examples of physical in a Sentence

The program is designed to address both physical and emotional health.
No physical contact with other players is allowed in the game.
He has an unusual physical appearance.
There was no physical evidence of the crime.
Their relationship was purely physical.

Recent Examples of physical from the Web

In today’s globalized world, community is defined less by physical proximity and more by connection to affinity groups.

— anthony alofsin, The Atlantic, "A Defense of the Suburbs," 6 June 2018
Their bike handling skills, their physical condition—everything has improved.

— tess strokes, Outside Online, "Trading Football for Fat Tires in Mississippi," 6 June 2018
In this young and booming field, Cargo’s focus on physical products and its view of the passenger as customer stand out.

— alex davies, WIRED, "The Dawn of Mobile Convenience Stores—and (Maybe) Free Rides," 6 June 2018
Lewis' state takeover recommendation in April cited a flawed system of investigating and accounting for physical restraints of students.

— darcy costello, The Courier-Journal, "Father of boy whose legs were broken at school calls for JCPS takeover," 6 June 2018
The director, Taika Waititi, imbues the film with wit and allows Chris Hemsworth to show off his physical comedy in the title role.

— andrew r. chow, New York Times, "What’s on TV Wednesday: ‘The Fosters’ and ‘Full Frontal With Samantha Bee’," 6 June 2018
All write-in candidates must have a physical location in Howard County.

— Howard County Times, "Official rules: Howard Magazine Best Restaurants readers' poll 2018," 5 June 2018
But looking back, Yusra says, she wasn’t prepared for the immense physical challenge of competing in the Olympics so soon after her journey.

— brooke hauser, Health.com, "This Syrian Swimmer Helped Save a Boat Full of Fellow Refugees—Now She’s Training for the Olympics," 5 June 2018
The Miami Herald confirmed that the Marlins have reached an agreement to sign Scott, their first-round pick out of Plant High in Tampa to a deal pending a physical.

— andre c. fernandez, miamiherald, "First, the Marlins drafted him, then his boyhood idol called to welcome him to the club," 5 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'physical.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of physical

Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1580

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

physical Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of physical

material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping.

- material values

physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary.

- the physical benefits of exercise

corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force.

- artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings

phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction.

- scientists concerned with the phenomenal world

sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses.

- the earth's rotation is not sensible to us

objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it.

- no objective evidence of damage

physical

noun

Definition of physical

: physical examination

See physical defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of physical from the Web

Image Every pitcher has two primes: one physical, one mental.

— tyler kepner, New York Times, "Justin Verlander’s Mind Has Aged, but His Fastball Has Not," 28 May 2018
In mid-1966, Mueller underwent his military physical at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; this was before the draft lottery began and before Vietnam became a divisive cultural watershed.

— garrett m. graff, WIRED, "The Untold Story of Robert Mueller's Time in Combat," 15 May 2018
Services provided include mental health evaluations, physicals, prescriptions, sick visits, vaccinations and shared medical appointments, as well as help with managing chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.

— carol kovach, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Clinic cuts ribbon at Lakewood High School clinic: A Place in the Sun," 19 Feb. 2018
The veteran linebacker failed to pass a physical in July 2017 before training camp because of a foot injury, leading the Saints to place him on injured reserve even though he was expected to recover in time for the start of the season.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Dannell Ellerbe reflects on season 'full of ups and downs' with Saints, Eagles," 30 Jan. 2018
However, as with cancer screenings, yearly physicals and corporate wellness programs, Ehrenreich writes that large studies have shown that meditation is no more effective for stress than muscle relaxation, medication or psychotherapy.

— rachel newcomb, chicagotribune.com, "Americans have resolved to live forever or die in the attempt," 8 May 2018
That experience puts you through the drills, physicals and measures typical of the draft, and puts you on display for every basketball executive in the NBA and plenty of international scouts, too.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Is UNC's Luke Maye ready for NBA? It'll be a blessing to find out, his father says. | Charlotte Observer," 24 Apr. 2018
Council also removed sections proposed by Budish that would have allowed perks to lure and retain top administrators such as executive physicals, additional vacation, retention pay and performance pay.

— karen farkas, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County Council approves overtime for salaried employees as part of new employee handbook," 27 Mar. 2018
The clinic will offer general health, physicals and women’s health exams, along with tooth extractions, fillings and even teeth cleanings.

— rosemarie dowell, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Remote clinic in Eustis to offer free medical, dental and vision care to needy," 25 Feb. 2018

First Known Use of physical

1934

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PHYSICAL Defined for English Language Learners

physical

adjective

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

: relating to the body of a person instead of the mind
: existing in a form that you can touch or see
: involving or related to sex

physical

noun

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

: a medical examination to see if a person's body is healthy

PHYSICAL Defined for Kids

physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ ˈfi-zi-kəl \

Definition of physical for Students

1 : of the body : bodily

A stallion with a wonderful physical perfection …
—Walter Farley, The Black Stallion

2 : existing in a form that can be touched or seen

physical objects

3 : of or relating to physics

—

physically

adverb

Medical Dictionary

physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ ˈfiz-i-kəl \

medical Definition of physical

1 : having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature

2 a : of or relating to physics

b : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics

3 : of or relating to the body

—

physically

play \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

physical

noun

medical Definition of physical

: physical examination

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See words that rhyme with physical Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for physical Spanish Central: Translation of physical Nglish: Translation of physical for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of physical for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of physical

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physical

Definition of physical

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PHYSICAL Defined for English Language Learners

physical

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

physical

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

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physical

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physical

medical Definition of physical

physically

physical

medical Definition of physical

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