1
: the quality or state of being fit
2
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductive offspring as compared to competing organisms
also
: the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes
Examples of fitness in a Sentence
a gymnastics program promoting fitness and agility in school-aged children
I have to question the fitness of wearing a bright red dress to a funeral.
Recent Examples on the Web
With Mikkel Damsgaard struggling for consistency and fitness, and record signing Dango Ouattara yet to convince following a summer move from Bournemouth, this is an area that could benefit from strengthening.
—
James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
An extreme, all-or-nothing fitness regimen is going viral again as millions seek rapid weight loss and mental toughness through its relentless daily rules.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
The seventh floor will feature fitness and wellness facilities with saunas and cold plunges.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026
Because of this, several studies have suggested that dancing offers a host of benefits that stretch far beyond movement or fitness, including improvements to overall brain function, spatial recognition, mood, visual processing, communication and social interaction.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fitness
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James McNicholas, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
An extreme, all-or-nothing fitness regimen is going viral again as millions seek rapid weight loss and mental toughness through its relentless daily rules.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
The seventh floor will feature fitness and wellness facilities with saunas and cold plunges.
—Travis Webb, Austin American Statesman, 31 Jan. 2026
Because of this, several studies have suggested that dancing offers a host of benefits that stretch far beyond movement or fitness, including improvements to overall brain function, spatial recognition, mood, visual processing, communication and social interaction.
—Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fitness
Cite this Entry
“Fitness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitness. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fitness
noun
fit·ness
ˈfit-nəs 
: the capacity of an organism to survive and transmit its genotype to reproductively fertile offspring as compared to competing organisms
also
: the contribution of an allele or genotype to the gene pool of subsequent generations as compared to that of other alleles or genotypes
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