phys·i·cal
ˈfi-zi-kəl 
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
Thomas De Quincey
b
: of or relating to material things
3
a
: of or relating to the body
physical abuse
c
: characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough
a physical hockey game
a physical player
Examples of physical in a Sentence
Adjective
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 on the Web
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
March 14th brings the full moon total lunar eclipse in Virgo (2:54 a.m. EST, 23° Virgo), a major moment of truth for our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025
Stroman, 33, reported to Yankees camp for physicals on time before not participating in the team’s first two official workouts for pitchers and catchers.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical
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Adjective
Its most significant physical feature is a segmented tread protruding from its back, and extending to the front of its face.
—Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 Feb. 2025
March 14th brings the full moon total lunar eclipse in Virgo (2:54 a.m. EST, 23° Virgo), a major moment of truth for our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
Following an early-morning flight to Charlotte on Valentines’ Day and the completion of a pair of physicals, Moore barely had 48 hours to gather himself and his thoughts before reporting to the Hornets on Monday to join them on a nine-game road trip.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2025
Stroman, 33, reported to Yankees camp for physicals on time before not participating in the team’s first two official workouts for pitchers and catchers.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical
Cite this Entry
“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
physical
1 of 2 adjective
phys·i·cal
ˈfiz-i-kəl
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
physical
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
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