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

See Examples For:

physical examination

It took another two years - and a private consultation with a urologist - before he was given a full physical examination and more advanced hormonal tests.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

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

An annual physical examination may not pick up early signs of dementia.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 2, 2026

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