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

See Examples For:

physical education

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

For that he has his mother to thank - who persuaded him to study engineering when perhaps a course in physical education might have seemed more logical.

From BBC ● Oct. 31, 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

Each school would have pre-K, more than one teacher per grade, and music, art, and physical education teachers.

From Seattle Times ● May 30, 2024

I was pre-enrolled in English, math, Spanish, physical education, social studies, and science.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan