First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1exercise
noun ex·er·cise \ˈek-sər-ˌsīz\
: physical activity that is done in order to become stronger and healthier
: a particular movement or series of movements done to become stronger and healthier
: something that is done or practiced to develop a particular skill
Full Definition of EXERCISE
1
a : the act of bringing into play or realizing in action : use <the exercise of self-control> b : the discharge of an official function or professional occupation <exercise of his judicial duties> c : the act or an instance of carrying out the terms of an agreement (as an option) —often used attributively <an option's exercise price>
2
a : regular or repeated use of a faculty or bodily organ b : bodily exertion for the sake of developing and maintaining physical fitness <trying to get more exercise>
3
: something performed or practiced in order to develop, improve, or display a specific capability or skill <arithmetic exercises> <vocal exercises>
4
: a performance or activity having a strongly marked secondary or ulterior aspect <party politics has always been an exercise in compromise — H. S. Ashmore>
5
a : a maneuver, operation, or drill carried out for training and discipline <naval exercises> b plural : a program including speeches, announcements of awards and honors, and various traditional practices of secular or religious character <commencement exercises>
See exercise defined for English-language learners
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Origin of EXERCISE
Middle English, from Anglo-French exercice, from Latin exercitium, from exercitare to train, exercise, frequentative of exercēre to train, occupy, from ex- + arcēre to enclose, hold off — more at ark
Related to EXERCISE
- Synonyms
- activity, conditioning, exertion
Rhymes with EXERCISE
advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
2exercise
verb
: to do physical activities in order to make yourself stronger and healthier
: to use (a body part) again and again in order to make it stronger
: to cause (an animal) to walk, run, etc., : to give exercise to (an animal)
exercisedexercis·ing
Full Definition of EXERCISE
transitive verb
1
2
a : to use repeatedly in order to strengthen or develop <exercise a muscle> b : to train (as troops) by drills and maneuvers c : to put through exercises <exercise the horses>
3
a : to engage the attention and effort of b : to cause anxiety, alarm, or indignation in <the issues exercising voters this year>
intransitive verb
: to take exercise
— ex·er·cis·able \-ˌsī-zə-bəl\ adjective
See exercise defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EXERCISE
14th century
EXERCISED Defined for Kids
1exercise
noun ex·er·cise \ˈek-sər-ˌsīz\
Definition of EXERCISE for Kids
1
: the act of putting into use, action, or practice <the exercise of patience>
2
: bodily activity for the sake of improving physical fitness
3
: a school lesson or other task performed to develop skill : practice work : drill <math exercises>
4
exercises plural : a program of songs, speeches, and announcements of awards and honors <graduation exercises>
2exercise
verb
ex·er·cisedex·er·cis·ing
Definition of EXERCISE for Kids
1
: to put into use : exert <He's exercising his authority.>
2
: to take part in bodily activity for the sake of improving physical fitness
3
: to use again and again to train or develop <exercise a muscle>
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