work·out
ˈwərk-ˌau̇t 
1
: a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness for athletic competition, ability, or performance
2
: a test of one's ability, capacity, stamina, or suitability
3
: an undertaking or plan intended to resolve a problem of indebtedness especially in lieu of bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings
worked out; working out; works out
1
a
: to bring about by labor and exertion
… work out your own salvation …—
Philippians 2:12 (King James Version)
Philippians 2:12 (King James Version)
b
: to solve (something, such as a problem) by a process of reasoning or calculation
c
: to devise, arrange, or achieve by resolving difficulties
worked out an agreement
d
: develop
… the final situation is not worked out with psychological profundity …—Leslie Rees
Leslie Rees2
: to discharge (a debt) by labor
3
: to exhaust (something, such as a mine) by working
1
a
: to prove effective, practicable, or suitable
How this will actually work out I don't know …—Milton Kotler
Milton Kotler
b
: to amount to a total or calculated figure
—used with at or to
2
: to engage in a workout
works out regularly at the gym
Synonyms of workout
Examples of workout in a Sentence
Noun
The team had a good workout at practice today.
Her workout includes running on the treadmill and lifting weights.
Verb
by putting our heads together, we were able to work out the problem
worked out a compromise between the warring factions
Recent Examples on the Web
Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025
My other favorite picks include a Lululemon baseball hat that’s perfect for workouts and casual outfits, as well as this super pretty planter that’s perfect for the gardening guru in your friend group.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The play ultimately didn’t work out, and fans wondered what could’ve been if Sanders was in the game.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for workout
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Noun
Lululemon BeCalm Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant Teens are still all about Lululemon, and not just for workout clothes, but as everyday go-tos.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 10 Dec. 2025
My other favorite picks include a Lululemon baseball hat that’s perfect for workouts and casual outfits, as well as this super pretty planter that’s perfect for the gardening guru in your friend group.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Dec. 2025
Verb
Since that surgery, he's maintained his weight with a balance of working out and monitoring his diet.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025
The play ultimately didn’t work out, and fans wondered what could’ve been if Sanders was in the game.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for workout
Cite this Entry
“Workout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workout. Accessed 11 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
workout
1 of 2 noun
work·out
ˈwər-ˌkau̇t
: a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness especially in athletics
work out
2 of 2 verbˌwər-ˈkau̇t,
ˈwər-
1
: to bring about by effort or by clearing up difficulties
2
a
: solve
work out a math problem
b
: develop sense 2
work out a plan
3
: to be successful
our plans for reorganization worked out
4
: to perform athletic exercises to improve one's fitness
working out at the gym
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