phys·i·cal
ˈfi-zi-kəl 
1
a
: of or relating to natural science
b(1)
: of or relating to physics
(2)
: characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
2
a
: having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature
everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance—
Thomas De Quincey
Thomas De Quincey
b
: of or relating to material things
3
a
: of or relating to the body
physical abuse
c
: characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough
a physical hockey game
a physical player
Synonyms
Examples of physical in a Sentence
Adjective
The program is designed to address both physical and emotional health.
No physical contact with other players is allowed in the game.
He has an unusual physical appearance.
There was no physical evidence of the crime.
Their relationship was purely physical.
Recent Examples on the WebAngie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024
Making bonus tracks only available on physical copies and releasing them on streaming much later is becoming a more common practice.
—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Apr. 2024
Even if the physiological need for food is met, there is undeniably a physical and psychological effect for patients on TPN.
—Andrew Chapman, Longreads, 18 Apr. 2024
Canceling speech while upholding safety in a vague way, without outlining a concrete threat or distinguishing between physical or psychological harm, would only encourage more complaints, Whittington said.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
The chemicals they're exposed to daily can negatively affect their physical and neurological health.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024
Shortly after the announcement, Cory filed for joint physical and legal custody of their two daughters, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024
Aaron's rehabilitation involved months of physical and occupational therapy, up to four days a week.
—Stephanie Colombini, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2024
When the results of President Biden’s annual physical were released last month, many wondered why his primary care physician hadn’t conducted a cognitive assessment.
—Katherine O'Malley, STAT, 27 Mar. 2024
Frazier will make $2 million this season with an $8.5 million mutual option for next season and a $2.5 million buyout, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.
—Dave Skretta, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2024
The White House directed questions about Mr. Biden’s health to his doctor’s summary of the president’s physical in February, which concluded that Mr. Biden was fit for duty.
—Michael D. Shear Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The significance of the physical is uninteresting and even distracting.
—Debra Edwards, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024
On February 28, Biden made a surprise visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his annual physical.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024
Presidents are not required by law to undergo a physical or cognitive examination, though publicizing the results of annual physicals became routine practice under former President Richard Nixon.
—Forbes Daily, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Turner’s 2022 physical showed an aortic aneurysm, which necessitated a surgery — though Turner held out for a year.
—Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Swift also included a poem of her own in the physical release.
—Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024
Making bonus tracks only available on physical copies and releasing them on streaming much later is becoming a more common practice.
—Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Apr. 2024
Even if the physiological need for food is met, there is undeniably a physical and psychological effect for patients on TPN.
—Andrew Chapman, Longreads, 18 Apr. 2024
Canceling speech while upholding safety in a vague way, without outlining a concrete threat or distinguishing between physical or psychological harm, would only encourage more complaints, Whittington said.
—Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024
The chemicals they're exposed to daily can negatively affect their physical and neurological health.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 19 Apr. 2024
Shortly after the announcement, Cory filed for joint physical and legal custody of their two daughters, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
—Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 18 Apr. 2024
Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2024
Aaron's rehabilitation involved months of physical and occupational therapy, up to four days a week.
—Stephanie Colombini, NPR, 18 Apr. 2024
Noun
The loggerheads also received physicals and are also doing well, according to O’Neill.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2024
When the results of President Biden’s annual physical were released last month, many wondered why his primary care physician hadn’t conducted a cognitive assessment.
—Katherine O'Malley, STAT, 27 Mar. 2024
Frazier will make $2 million this season with an $8.5 million mutual option for next season and a $2.5 million buyout, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical.
—Dave Skretta, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2024
The White House directed questions about Mr. Biden’s health to his doctor’s summary of the president’s physical in February, which concluded that Mr. Biden was fit for duty.
—Michael D. Shear Michael D. Shear, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The significance of the physical is uninteresting and even distracting.
—Debra Edwards, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024
On February 28, Biden made a surprise visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for his annual physical.
—Matthew Continetti, National Review, 2 Mar. 2024
Presidents are not required by law to undergo a physical or cognitive examination, though publicizing the results of annual physicals became routine practice under former President Richard Nixon.
—Forbes Daily, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Turner’s 2022 physical showed an aortic aneurysm, which necessitated a surgery — though Turner held out for a year.
—Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near physical
Cite this Entry
“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
physical
1 of 2 adjective
phys·i·cal
ˈfiz-i-kəl
1
: having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature
2
a
: of or relating to physics
b
: characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
3
: of or relating to the body
physical
2 of 2 nounLove words? Need even more definitions?
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