aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌer-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
aerobic respiration
2
: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes
aerobic fermentation
3
a
: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
stationary bicycles used for aerobic conditioning
an aerobic workout
Aerobic exercise involves pushing your heart rate to 70% to 85% of its maximum, and keeping it there for 20 to 60 minutes at a time.Tara Parker-Pope
b
: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise
… the average exerciser can skip a couple of weeks without experiencing declines in aerobic capacity or the ability of the heart and lungs to supply the muscles with oxygen …Consumer Reports on Health
c
: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity
aerobic equipment
aerobically adverb

Did you know?

Aerobic exercise is exercise that takes an extended amount of time—usually ten minutes or more—but is usually performed at only moderate intensity. Running, swimming, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are classic aerobic exercises. In 1968 a best-selling book called Aerobics introduced a system of exercise for increasing the body's ability to take in and use oxygen, and today aerobics classes, often mimicking such outdoor exercise as running and bicycling, take place every afternoon in thousands of gyms and YMCAs across the country. Aerobic exercise particularly strengthens the heart and lungs, but usually has many other good effects as well. Aerobic bacteria, which need oxygen to live, are essential for breaking down living matter so that it returns to the soil. They include the famous intestinal E. coli, as well as the staph and strep bacteria that can make a visit to the hospital risky.

Examples of aerobic in a Sentence

aerobic exercises like running and swimming aerobic organisms such as bacteria
Recent Examples on the Web Other research suggests pairing weights with aerobic exercise can lower the risk of early death. Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024 Researchers concluded that aerobic exercise—like biking, cross-training, and walking briskly—could help in migraine prevention treatment.25 15. Amanda MacMillan, Health, 26 Feb. 2024 Roughly one-third of the women regularly engaged in aerobic exercises — ones that elevate the heart rate, such as brisk walking, jumping rope or taking spin classes — compared with 43% of men in the study. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2024 The combination of strength training and aerobic exercises, as well as strength training alone, were more effective for individuals than groups. Jordyn Bradley, Fortune Well, 15 Feb. 2024 Anaerobic exercise, explained One key difference is that anaerobic exercise is more intense but lasts for shorter amounts of time than aerobic exercise. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 The science says adults should be getting 150 minutes weekly of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week, with two days of muscle-strengthening activity. Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2024 Nordic skiers can benefit from a more breathable soft shell jacket like the Arc’teryx Gamma Hoody, which works well for the constantly aerobic realities of cross-country skiing. Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2023 Generally speaking, aerobic exercise reduces your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and, yes, heart disease. Kells McPhillips, Fortune Well, 11 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aerobic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French aérobie "living only in the presence of oxygen" + -ic entry 1 — more at aerobe

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerobic was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near aerobic

Cite this Entry

“Aerobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aerobic

adjective
aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
ˌe(-ə)r-
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
2
: of, relating to, or caused by aerobic organisms (as bacteria)
3
: involving or increasing oxygen use
aerobic exercise
aerobically adverb

Medical Definition

aerobic

adjective
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
aerobic respiration
2
: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes
aerobic fermentation
3
a
: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
aerobic exercise
b
: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise
aerobic capacity
c
: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity
aerobic shoes
aerobically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on aerobic

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