physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ ˈfi-zi-kəl \

Updated on: 16 Apr 2018

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

But other DDoS defense companies are years—and millions of dollars in investment—ahead on using physical connections for more robust DDoS protection.

— lily hay newman, WIRED, "Cloudflare's Plan to Protect the Whole Internet Comes Into Focus," 12 Apr. 2018
The rapid physical growth of Moscow also generates huge quantities of construction debris that has to go somewhere.

— fred weir, The Christian Science Monitor, "Russian consumerism may be poisoning this town. But nascent civil society is pushing back.," 12 Apr. 2018
Even coach Tyronn Lue is back on the bench after missing three weeks dealing with stress and some physical problems.

— terry pluto, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers heading back to the NBA Finals? -- Terry Pluto (video)," 12 Apr. 2018
Regardless of color scheme, the physical structure of your venue can add a great deal of charm.

— madeleine luckel, Vogue, "Lela Rose on Party Planning, Bridal Shower Ideas, and Her “Infamous” Tequila Room," 12 Apr. 2018
Some clinics draw physical lines on the pavement to ensure that protesters keep their distance.

— The Economist, "Britain’s first “buffer zone” against protests outside abortion clinics," 12 Apr. 2018
Seventies is the pivotal decade for physical functioning, said Kritchevsky.

— NBC News, "Is there such a thing as normal aging?," 12 Apr. 2018
His accomplishments are even more impressive considering his physical challenges.

— chadd cripe, idahostatesman, "‘Amazing’ night ahead for Graham DeLaet, as he tries to shake painful injury | Idaho Statesman," 12 Apr. 2018
During an evidentiary hearing in the case, District Attorney Stephen Billy asked Parham whether school policy allowed her to cause physical injury to a student.

— anna claire vollers, AL.com, "Paddling is legal in Alabama, but some teachers arrested for excessive force," 11 Apr. 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

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

The Cubans must also pay $220 for a medical physical required for the U.S. visa.

— mario j. pentón, miamiherald, "To reunite with family in Miami, these Cubans must travel to Bogota | Miami Herald," 15 Mar. 2018
But the rules allow a variety of physical holds ranging from a bear hug to a restraint that’s used to pin a student face-down on the ground and has been blamed for asphyxiation deaths at some U.S. schools.

— Washington Post, "Schools physically restrained students 9,000 times last year," 23 Feb. 2018
The trades aren't completed until those physicals are passed.

— joe vardon, cleveland.com, "LeBron James throws 'no shade' on former Cavaliers; Cedi Osman shows new teammates 'how we play'," 10 Feb. 2018
The Panthers then agreed to a deal with former Washington corner Bashaud Breeland, but the deal fell through when Breeland could not pass his physical.

— jourdan rodrigue, charlotteobserver, "Rivera’s first task for new Panthers CB Ross Cockrell? Light a fire under teammates. | Charlotte Observer," 27 Mar. 2018
Photo: Sarah Blesener for The Wall Street Journal Uber says anyone who takes advantage of its free classes, physicals and optional training course can drive for another outfit.

— anne kadet, WSJ, "The Behind-the-Scenes Vibe at Uber and Lyft," 27 Mar. 2018
Smith was sent to the Seahawks in exchange for a conditional 2020 seventh-round draft pick on Monday, but the trade was nullified after Smith didn't pass his physical, a league source told cleveland.com.

— dan labbe, cleveland.com, "Browns trade of C.J. Smith to Seahawks nullified," 22 Mar. 2018
Previously, those percentages for the different income streams were 52.9 percent streaming, 20.7 percent for physical, 23.6 percent for downloads and 2.7 percent for sync.

— ed christman, Billboard, "U.S. Music Industry Hits Highest Revenue Mark in a Decade, Fueled by Paid Subscriptions," 22 Mar. 2018
Though other teams were inquiring about his availability, according to the source, those teams likely would have wanted Mewhort to work out and pass a physical.

— stephen holder, Indianapolis Star, "Colts giving free agent Jack Mewhort a second chance after knee injuries," 21 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of physical

1934

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

Learn More about physical

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up physical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

physical

Definition of physical

physically

physicalness

Examples of physical in a Sentence

Recent Examples of physical from the Web

Origin and Etymology of physical

physical Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Near Antonyms

Related Words

Synonym Discussion of physical

physical

Definition of physical

Recent Examples of physical from the Web

First Known Use of physical

Phrases Related to PHYSICAL

Related Phrases

PHYSICAL Defined for English Language Learners

physical

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

physical

Definition of physical for English Language Learners

PHYSICAL Defined for Kids

physical

Definition of physical for Students

physically

Medical Dictionary

physical

medical Definition of physical

physically

physical

medical Definition of physical

Learn More about physical

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Words We're Watching: 'Bluebeard,' the Verb

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

The Adverb: A Most Fascinating POS

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes