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
The fitness of the second and third generations is threatened by the very privilege they are born into.
—
Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
External pressure, such as weight stigma and pressure from coaches and family, media and societal standards of fitness and team culture around dieting and weight, also place athletes at high risk for eating disorders.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
The towers would be linked by a large common area and have a lakefront boardwalk, new dining space and fitness and wellness areas.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Another way is to increase your cardiovascular fitness.
—Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fitness
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Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026
External pressure, such as weight stigma and pressure from coaches and family, media and societal standards of fitness and team culture around dieting and weight, also place athletes at high risk for eating disorders.
—Emily Hemendinger, The Conversation, 13 Feb. 2026
The towers would be linked by a large common area and have a lakefront boardwalk, new dining space and fitness and wellness areas.
—Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 13 Feb. 2026
Another way is to increase your cardiovascular fitness.
—Morayo Ogunbayo, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 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 16 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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