physical

adjective phys·i·cal \ ˈfi-zi-kəl \

|Updated on: 19 Aug 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

The Health Ambitions Study also found that consumers are seeking access to resources that improve both their physical and mental well-being.

— karen s. lynch, STAT, "Everyone deserves a holistic, patient-centric health care system," 12 July 2018
Over a 30-year period, the photographer has chronicled the life of his daughter, Sharon, who contends with various physical and mental disabilities.

— carolina a. miranda, latimes.com, "Datebook: Shots of old Route 66, dreamlike paintings and garments fashioned from paper," 12 July 2018
The best player in baseball at his physical and skillful best is a sight to behold.

— tom verducci, SI.com, "The Star That Still Won't Shine: The Incredible, Unprecedented but Unseen Greatness of Mike Trout," 12 July 2018
The movie devotes proper emotional consideration to the physical and mental problems that led to Williams’ suicide at age 63.

— mick lasalle, SFChronicle.com, "Robin Williams gets his just due in documentary ‘Come Inside My Mind’," 11 July 2018
Similarly, cold water plunges have a long history of functioning as physical and psychic resets, though the circumstances demanding those resets have changed.

— lane florsheim, WSJ, "Artist Taryn Simon Invites You to Take a Cold Water Plunge Inside a Museum," 11 July 2018
Police said the captain of the Phoenix had been charged with negligence causing death and the manager of the company operating the Serenata may be charged with negligence causing physical and mental damage to others.

— Fox News, "Thai police: Investigations into boat sinkings are advancing," 10 July 2018
Lifeguards undergo continual drills and physical and medical training, learning how to use rescue boards, how to judge wave and beach conditions.

— meredith colias-pete, Post-Tribune, "More than just a day at the beach, lifeguards train to save lives," 10 July 2018
Brooks suffered humiliation, wrongful termination and physical and mental pain from the incident, the lawsuit says.

— andrew dalton, The Seattle Times, "Crew member says Johnny Depp punched him on LA film set," 10 July 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

Strauss’ primary job was to give wrestlers physicals, treat them for injuries and monitor their health, DiSabato said.

— NBC News, "Powerful GOP Rep. Jim Jordan accused of turning blind eye to sexual abuse as Ohio State wrestling coach," 3 July 2018
His exit physical in January uncovered an injury to a disk at the C2 and C3 vertebrae in his neck, threatening the spinal cord.

— albert breer, SI.com, "A Spectator in Minicamp Week: Eric Wood on Retirement," 14 June 2018
So if all 24 rookie free agents pass their physicals and sign, the Cardinals would have to make roster moves to accommodate them.

— kent somers, azcentral, "Arizona Cardinals agree to terms with 24 rookie free agents," 30 Apr. 2018
Some said Strauss groped them barehanded during physicals, had them drop their pants even while examining them for a cough or heartburn, and badgered students to go home with him.

— james freeman, WSJ, "Jim Jordan and Ohio State," 10 July 2018
Some said Strauss groped them barehanded during physicals, had them drop their pants even while examining them for a cough or heartburn, and badgered students to go home with him.

— CBS News, "Ohio State doctor who killed himself accused of decades-long sexual misconduct," 6 July 2018
The Dust Devils will also add a handful of players from the 2018 draft class, some of which were expected to report for physicals Tuesday.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tri-City Dust Devils set roster," 12 June 2018
The right-hander from Orange Lutheran High School in Southern California, along with other picks intent on signing, must first pass a physical.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "Daniels' deal wasn't the only Rangers news Thursday," 7 June 2018
At least two physicals are required to fight in an MMA bout in Kentucky.

— The Courier-Journal, "Danger in the cage: Lax regulation in amateur MMA puts lives at risk," 21 June 2018

First Known Use of physical

1934

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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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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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

medical Definition of physical

physically

physical

medical Definition of physical

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