physical education

American  

noun

1. systematic instruction in sports, exercises, and hygiene given as part of a school or college program.

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physical education British  

noun

1.  PE.  training and practice in sports, gymnastics, etc, as in schools and colleges

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Etymology

Origin of physical education

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Aspiring physical education teacher Gao Yemiao missed his 30-second window to buy a train ticket home for China's biggest holiday before seats sold out -- but he was lucky.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

This small-group instruction is "almost personalized" and more "efficient" than typical classes, added Clarisse Naud, a physical education adviser.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

Hodgkiss had been a football coach and physical education teacher at Bishop Montgomery for 15 years until he was fired last week.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2025

So much so that, even before hanging up his boots, he was already preparing by starting a degree in physical education in Porto.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

“Oh, we always have physical education outdoors, on one of our fields.”

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor