physical
Americanadjective
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of or relating to the body.
physical exercise.
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of or relating to that which is material.
the physical universe; the physical sciences.
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noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.
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pertaining to the physical sciences, especially physics.
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carnal; sexual.
a physical attraction.
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tending to touch, hug, pat, etc.; physically demonstrative.
a physical person.
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requiring, characterized by, or liking rough physical contact or strenuous physical activity.
Football is a physical sport.
noun
adjective
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of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit
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of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature
the physical universe
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involving or requiring bodily contact
rugby is a physical sport
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of or concerned with matter and energy
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of or relating to physics
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perceptible to the senses; apparent
a physical manifestation
noun
Synonym Usage
Physical, bodily, corporeal, corporal agree in pertaining to the body. Physical indicates connected with, pertaining to, the animal or human body as a material organism: physical strength, exercise. Bodily means belonging to, concerned with, the human body as distinct from the mind or spirit: bodily pain or suffering. Corporeal, a more poetic and philosophical word than bodily, refers especially to the mortal substance of which the human body is composed as opposed to spirit: this corporeal habitation. Corporal is now usually reserved for reference to whippings and other punishments inflicted on the human body.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of physical
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin physicālis “concerning medicine.” See physic, -al 1
Explanation
When something is physical it's really there. You can see it, touch it, taste it, hear it, or smell it. The physical world is all of the stuff around you. When your doctor performs a physical, he or she is checking out your physical self. They're probably going to take your temperature, draw blood and listen to your heart and lungs. You may be asked a mental health question or two, but they're not going to ask you how you feel about God or what the meaning of life is. In physical education, you do physical activity. You move your body to make it healthier.
Vocabulary lists containing physical
Introduction to Informational Text
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Word Generation Weekly - Series 1
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"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 4
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They say the ships are intentionally skipping the physical inspections and digital due diligence are typically required of legitimate tankers carrying hazardous cargo.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
“Roku’s revenues are by now majority advertising-dependent, but its costs primarily relate to manufacturing and related software development as well as physical marketing and distribution of its devices,” the team said.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
Vekic particularly looked like she would not have relished a decider, but it was Raducanu who buckled first - perhaps through mental fatigue as much as physical.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
Both studies tracked people with prediabetes for decades and included interventions such as increased physical activity and healthier eating habits.
From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026
In time, judging from his uncombed and disheveled physical appearance, it was difficult to differentiate Bobby from the down-and-outers of the area.
From "Endgame" by Frank Brady
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
