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
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 Web
James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
The announcement comes three years after Rutabaga opened a $3 million physical storefront at 2620 Rimrock Road in Fitchburg, about five miles south of Madison.
—Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
The new astronaut candidates qualified for selection by being US citizens capable of passing a physical for long-duration spaceflight.
—Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical
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Adjective
Jones’ dedication, paired with his physical gifts as a dual-threat QB, convinced the Colts to take a swing on him in free agency.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025
The announcement comes three years after Rutabaga opened a $3 million physical storefront at 2620 Rimrock Road in Fitchburg, about five miles south of Madison.
—Francesca Pica, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
Reps from the nonprofit Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center in North Nashville were there to provide flu shots, A1C screenings, blood pressure checks, well-women exams, sick visits, prescription refills, adult physicals, and well-child exams.
—Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 25 Sep. 2025
The new astronaut candidates qualified for selection by being US citizens capable of passing a physical for long-duration spaceflight.
—Robert Pearlman, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for physical
Cite this Entry
“Physical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical. Accessed 26 Sep. 2025.
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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