noun
Uncommon
cardio
KAH-dih-oh
Cardio (noun) means Exercise that raises the heart rate, such as running or cycling. Example: “She does thirty minutes of cardio before lifting weights.”
noun
1
Exercise that raises the heart rate, such as running or cycling.
"She does thirty minutes of cardio before lifting weights."
"For decades, trainers and scientists have debated whether and how to mix cardio and resistance exercise. Some small studies suggest combining the two might up the likely gains from each, especially the resistance training."
— Gretchen Reynolds, Cardio Before Weight Lifting May Help Boost Muscle (2021)
"I did some cardio today instead of lifting weights."
adj
1
Relating to the heart and circulatory system.
"He's working on his cardio fitness ahead of the marathon."
How to use cardio
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExercise meant to get your heart pumping, like running, cycling, or swimming.
Common pairings
cardio workout
do cardio
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Word forms
- Plural
- cardios
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She does thirty minutes of _____ before lifting weights.
Etymology
A shortened form of "cardiovascular."
Rhymes for cardio
See all rhymes for cardio →Frequently asked questions
What does “cardio” mean?
The word “cardio” means exercise that raises the heart rate, such as running or cycling. In plain terms, exercise meant to get your heart pumping, like running, cycling, or swimming.
How do you pronounce “cardio”?
“Cardio” is pronounced KAH-dih-oh (/ˈkɑɹ.di.oʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cardio” in a sentence?
Here is “cardio” used in a sentence: “She does thirty minutes of cardio before lifting weights.”
What part of speech is “cardio”?
Depending on how it is used, “cardio” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “cardio” a common word?
“Cardio” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cardio” have?
“Cardio” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: exercise that raises the heart rate, such as running or cycling.
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