physique
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of physique
1820–30; < French < Latin physicus. See physic
Explanation
Physique is a word used to describe the form or shape of the human body. If you have a buff physique, you’re in great shape. Well done. Physique, pronounced "fiz-eek,” is from French for “physical.” Someone with a muscular physique has been getting physical in the gym. Everyone has a physique (except ghosts) but the word often refers to a muscular or well-sculpted body. Sometimes people who train for events like marathons or body-building competitions like to take pictures of their physiques before and after.
Vocabulary lists containing physique
And Then There Were None
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English Words Derived from French, List 4
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Dumplin'
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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.
Even though he's nine inches shorter than the famously tall star, producers considered Ponomari's physique similar enough to cast him as a double.
From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026
The lithe physique of the rubber man of tennis enabled him to chase down seemingly lost causes and he combined a brutally efficient game with a rock-solid defence.
From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026
Since his arrival last month, Bovino, with his muscular physique and spiked hair, is dominating TV news and social media.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 11, 2025
Perennially tan with silver hair, deep blue eyes and a body-sculpted physique, he dressed in fitted T-shirts or pullover sweaters more often than a shirt and tie.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025
She’s got the petite physique and voice to match.
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
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.
