physical examination

noun

: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of an individual

Examples of physical examination in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Thanks to a combination of physical examinations and genetic analysis, that hunch has paid off, representing the culmination of a scientific journey that began in 2009. Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 The diagnosis is clinical based on a physician's review of a patient's medical history and by performing a physical examination. Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 23 July 2025 Cardiologists unaffiliated with the White House said at the time that Mr. Trump’s physical examination had revealed serious health concerns and had indicated that Mr. Trump was at risk of a heart attack. Minho Kim, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 Brisbane, Australia — Five Australian women have won the right to sue Qatar Airways for forcing them to undergo invasive physical examinations on a Doha airport tarmac in 2020 after a federal court upheld their appeal. Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for physical examination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physical examination was circa 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Physical examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20examination. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

physical examination

noun
: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of a person

Medical Definition

physical examination

noun
: an examination of the bodily functions and condition of an individual

More from Merriam-Webster on physical examination

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