exercise
EHK-suh-syz
Exercise (noun) means Physical activity done to improve fitness or health. Example: “Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.”
noun
1
Physical activity done to improve fitness or health.
"Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure."
"She goes for a run every morning as part of her exercise routine."
"Walking the dog gives me plenty of exercise each day."
2
A task or activity designed to build or practice a skill.
"The textbook ends each chapter with a set of exercises."
"The teacher gave us a grammar exercise to finish for homework."
"Try this breathing exercise before you sit down for the test."
verb
1
To do physical activity to stay fit or healthy.
"He exercises three times a week at the gym."
"I try to exercise before breakfast while the air is still cool."
"Doctors say we should exercise regularly as we get older."
2
To use a right, power, or option.
"She exercised her right to remain silent."
"Citizens exercise their right to vote at the polling station."
"The tenant exercised the option to extend the lease for another year."
How to use exercise
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPhysical activity for fitness, a practice task for a skill, or using a right or option you have.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
get exercise
exercise regularly
exercise a right
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Word forms
- Plural
- exercises
- Third person singular
- exercises
- Past tense
- exercised
Fill the gap
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Regular _____ helps lower blood pressure.
Etymology
From Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium, from exercere, "to keep busy, train."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for exercise
See all rhymes for exercise →Frequently asked questions
What does “exercise” mean?
The word “exercise” means physical activity done to improve fitness or health. In plain terms, physical activity for fitness, a practice task for a skill, or using a right or option you have.
How do you pronounce “exercise”?
“Exercise” is pronounced EHK-suh-syz (/ˈɛk.sɚ.saɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “exercise” in a sentence?
Here is “exercise” used in a sentence: “Regular exercise helps lower blood pressure.”
What part of speech is “exercise”?
Depending on how it is used, “exercise” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “exercise” come from?
The word “exercise” comes from Latin. From Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium, from exercere, "to keep busy, train.".
Is “exercise” a common word?
“Exercise” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “exercise” have?
“Exercise” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: physical activity done to improve fitness or health.
What are the main types of exercise?
Exercise is usually grouped into four types: aerobic or cardio (running, cycling, swimming) that trains the heart and lungs; strength or resistance work (weights, push-ups) that builds muscle; flexibility exercise (stretching, yoga); and balance training. A well-rounded routine combines all four to improve overall fitness and reduce injury.
Why is exercise important for health?
Regular exercise strengthens the heart, muscles, and bones, helps control weight, and lowers the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It also boosts mood by releasing endorphins, improves sleep, and sharpens focus. Beyond the physical benefits, staying active is one of the most reliable ways to support long-term mental and physical health.
What is the difference between exercise and physical activity?
Physical activity is any bodily movement that burns energy — walking to work, cleaning, gardening. Exercise is a subset of that: activity done deliberately and repeatedly to improve fitness or health, like a jog or a gym session. All exercise is physical activity, but not all physical activity counts as exercise.
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