Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

kinesiology

American  
[ki-nee-see-ol-uh-jee, -zee-, kahy-] / kɪˌni siˈɒl ə dʒi, -zi-, kaɪ- /

noun

  1. the science dealing with the interrelationship of the physiological processes and anatomy of the human body with respect to movement.


kinesiology British  
/ kɪˌniːsɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

  1. the study of the mechanics and anatomy of human muscles

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Etymology

Origin of kinesiology

First recorded in 1890–95; from Greek kī́nēsi(s) “movement” ( see kinesis) + -o- + -logy

Explanation

Kinesiology is the study of human movement. Students who study sports medicine in college will often take classes in kinesiology. Studying the way the human body moves, how it's affected by movement, and the ways it's prone to being hurt by movement all fall under the label of kinesiology. Physical education teachers, coaches, physical therapists, dancers — all of these people have an interest in kinesiology, because their jobs are directly connected to the movement of the human body. The word kinesiology comes from a Greek root word, kinesis, "motion or movement."

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing kinesiology

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.

"The best resistance training program is the one you'll actually stick with," says Stuart Phillips, distinguished professor in the Department of Kinesiology and an author on the Position Stand.

From Science Daily • Mar. 19, 2026

Strong Survivors staff had to compete for time with others in the Kinesiology Department.

From Washington Times • Mar. 21, 2020

The OBH Center is headed up by Michael Gass, a professor in the Outdoor Education Program in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of New Hampshire.

From Salon • Feb. 2, 2020

Dr. Charles Yesalis, a professor emeritus of Health Policy and Administration & Kinesiology, at Penn State, perhaps provided a glimpse of the answer.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2012

Kinesiology handbook: a study guide and laboratory manual.

From U.S. Copyright Renewals, 1975 July - December by Library of Congress. Copyright Office

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "kinesiology" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com