fitness

noun

fit·​ness ˈfit-nəs How to pronounce fitness (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Army is changing the fitness test for all soldiers. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025 Piccirillo jumped to fame in May 2024 when he wed Jesica Cirio, a superstar model and fitness entrepreneur who at the time had recently ended her relationship with Martín Insaurralde, the former mayor of Lomas de Zamora, a Peronist bastion in the metropolitan region of Buenos Aires. Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 The Fitbit Versa 4 is a fantastic choice for casual fitness enthusiasts who want a simple and stylish smartwatch. Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 22 Apr. 2025 With her intense role as an aging star fitness instructor desperate for youth in the horror hit The Substance, Moore showcased her long-underrated acting chops — and her unparalleled ability to shape Hollywood’s narratives around power and beauty. Julie Jordan, People.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fitness

Word History

First Known Use

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of fitness was in 1580

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Cite this Entry

“Fitness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fitness. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

fitness

noun
fit·​ness ˈfit-nəs How to pronounce fitness (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fitness

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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