aerobic

American  

[ai-roh-, uh-roh-bik] / ɛəˈroʊ-, əˈroʊ bɪk /

adjective

1. (of an organism or tissue) requiring the presence of air or free oxygen for life.

2. pertaining to or caused by the presence of oxygen.

3. of or utilizing the principles of aerobics.

   aerobic exercises;

   aerobic dances.

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aerobic British  

/ ɛəˈrəʊbɪk /

adjective

1. (of an organism or process) depending on oxygen

2. of or relating to aerobes

3. designed for or relating to aerobics

   aerobic shoes

   aerobic dances

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aerobic Scientific  

/ â-rō′bĭk /

1. Occurring in the presence of oxygen or requiring oxygen to live. In aerobic respiration, which is the process used by the cells of most organisms, the production of energy from glucose metabolism requires the presence of oxygen.

2. Compare anaerobic

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aerobic Cultural  

1. In biology, a descriptive term for organisms that require the presence of oxygen to live. (Compare anaerobic.)

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Discover More

Aerobic exercise, such as running, swimming, and doing calisthenics for an extended time, is designed to improve the body's use of oxygen.

Other Word Forms

• aerobically adverb
• nonaerobic adjective

Etymology

Origin of aerobic

First recorded in 1880–85; aerobe + -ic

Compare meaning

How does aerobic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• aerobic vs. anaerobic

Example Sentences

"Over time, the diet caused remodeling of the mice's muscles, making them more oxidative and making them react better to aerobic exercise."

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

High-intensity aerobic exercise, learning new languages and taking on cognitively demanding hobbies like chess can bolster your brain’s neuroplastic abilities, while things like chronic stress can hinder it.

From Science Daily • Feb. 19, 2026

This enzyme is present in most aerobic, oxygen breathing life today.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026

These enzymes are essential for aerobic respiration because they convert oxygen into water.

From Science Daily • Feb. 18, 2026

They’re not talking about the real heart, the one that only needs healthy foods and aerobic exercise.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon