physical examination

American  

noun

1. an examination, usually by a physician, of a person's body in order to determine the person's state of health or physical fitness, such as for military service or participation in a sport.

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physical examination British  

noun

1. med the process of examining the body by means of sight, touch, percussion, or auscultation to diagnose disease or verify fitness

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Etymology

Origin of physical examination

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The White House memorandum describing President Trump’s recent physical examination lacks details of the results of tests to assess his cardiovascular health, according to physicians who read the report.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

The three-page memo provides an overview of Trump's physical examination and diagnostic testing, in which Barbabella concludes that the leader is "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."

From Barron's • May 30, 2026

But there are some less-broad aspects of this bill that would benefit some athletes too, such as new medical benefits, including costs incurred from catastrophic injuries that exceed $90,000, and an end-of-college physical examination.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

In 2014, he said, the Rays signed closer Grant Balfour: two years and $12 million — after the Baltimore Orioles withdrew a two-year, $15-million deal following a physical examination.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 13, 2025

I will need a letter from the parish priest and a physical examination by my family doctor.

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt