adjective
aerobic
air-OH-bik
Aerobic (adjective) means describing exercise that raises the heart rate and breathing for a sustained period, using oxygen to supply energy to the muscles. Example: “Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week is the usual recommendation.”
adjective
1
Describing exercise that raises the heart rate and breathing for a sustained period, using oxygen to supply energy to the muscles.
"Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise five times a week is the usual recommendation."
"Swimming is excellent aerobic activity because it works the whole body."
2
technical Needing oxygen in order to live or to work, used of organisms and biological processes.
"Aerobic bacteria die off quickly once the tank is sealed."
"Aerobic respiration releases far more energy per glucose molecule than fermentation does."
How to use aerobic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExercise or life processes that use oxygen.
When to use it
Neutral. Everyday in fitness contexts, technical in biology.
Memory tip
Aerobics with an s is the class or activity; aerobic without it is the adjective.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
aerobic exercise
aerobic capacity
aerobic respiration
aerobic bacteria
aerobic fitness
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Thirty minutes of _____ exercise five times a week is the usual recommendation.
Etymology
From Greek aēr 'air' + bios 'life', with the adjective ending -ic.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for aerobic
See all rhymes for aerobic →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?
Aerobic exercise is moderate and sustained, so the body has time to burn fuel with oxygen — jogging, cycling, swimming. Anaerobic exercise is short and intense, so the muscles work faster than oxygen can be delivered — sprinting, heavy lifting. Aerobic builds endurance; anaerobic builds power and strength.
Is walking aerobic exercise?
Brisk walking is, provided it lifts your heart rate and you keep going for a stretch of time. A slow stroll to the shops usually is not, because the effort never rises enough to challenge the heart and lungs.
What is the difference between aerobic and cardio?
In everyday gym use they mean the same thing. Aerobic is the physiological term, describing exercise fuelled with oxygen; cardio is the informal shorthand, named after the effect on the heart.
What is the meaning of aerobic?
"aerobic" (adjective) means describing exercise that raises the heart rate and breathing for a sustained period, using oxygen to supply energy to the muscles.
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