gym

The word “gym” means a place with equipment for exercise and physical training. In plain terms, a building or room equipped for working out and exercising.

“Gym” is pronounced jihm (/d͡ʒɪm/ in IPA).

Here is “gym” used in a sentence: “She goes to the gym three times a week to lift weights.”

“Gym” is a noun.

“Gym” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Gym is a shortened form of 'gymnasium,' a word with Greek roots meaning a place for physical exercise and training. Today 'gym' is by far the more common term, used for any facility fitted with equipment for working out, while 'gymnasium' sounds more formal or old-fashioned.

The terms overlap heavily. 'Gym' often suggests a space focused on exercise equipment and weights, while 'fitness centre' or 'health club' may imply a larger venue with extras like classes, a pool, or a sauna. In everyday use, though, people use the words interchangeably.

Options range from large commercial chains to small independent studios, specialist strength or CrossFit gyms, budget 24-hour venues, and home gyms set up in a spare room or garage. Some focus on classes, others on free weights or machines, so the best fit depends on your goals.