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
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The president underwent a physical examination at Walter Reed in April 2025. Emily Chang, ABC News, 26 May 2026 Perform a physical examination with a focus on the head and neck area. Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 2 May 2026 The fictional Cabinet uses the Constitution’s 25th Amendment to force the Democratic President to undergo a physical examination, which reveals a brain tumor that was affecting his judgment and emotional state. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026 The autopsy concluded that cardiovascular disease had caused Randy's death, but notably, a physical examination just a week prior had found him in good health. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 11 Apr. 2026 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 4 Jun. 2026.

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

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