physical
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to the body.
physical exercise.
-
of or relating to that which is material.
the physical universe; the physical sciences.
-
noting or pertaining to the properties of matter and energy other than those peculiar to living matter.
-
pertaining to the physical sciences, especially physics.
-
carnal; sexual.
a physical attraction.
-
tending to touch, hug, pat, etc.; physically demonstrative.
a physical person.
-
requiring, characterized by, or liking rough physical contact or strenuous physical activity.
Football is a physical sport.
noun
adjective
-
of or relating to the body, as distinguished from the mind or spirit
-
of, relating to, or resembling material things or nature
the physical universe
-
involving or requiring bodily contact
rugby is a physical sport
-
of or concerned with matter and energy
-
of or relating to physics
-
perceptible to the senses; apparent
a physical manifestation
noun
Related Words
Physical, bodily, corporeal, corporal agree in pertaining to the body. Physical indicates connected with, pertaining to, the animal or human body as a material organism: physical strength, exercise. Bodily means belonging to, concerned with, the human body as distinct from the mind or spirit: bodily pain or suffering. Corporeal, a more poetic and philosophical word than bodily, refers especially to the mortal substance of which the human body is composed as opposed to spirit: this corporeal habitation. Corporal is now usually reserved for reference to whippings and other punishments inflicted on the human body.
Other Word Forms
- antiphysical adjective
- antiphysically adverb
- antiphysicalness noun
- nonphysical adjective
- nonphysically adverb
- physically adverb
- physicalness noun
- quasi-physical adjective
- quasi-physically adverb
- transphysical adjective
- transphysically adverb
- unphysical adjective
- unphysically adverb
Etymology
Origin of physical
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin physicālis “concerning medicine.” See physic, -al 1
Explanation
When something is physical it's really there. You can see it, touch it, taste it, hear it, or smell it. The physical world is all of the stuff around you. When your doctor performs a physical, he or she is checking out your physical self. They're probably going to take your temperature, draw blood and listen to your heart and lungs. You may be asked a mental health question or two, but they're not going to ask you how you feel about God or what the meaning of life is. In physical education, you do physical activity. You move your body to make it healthier.
Vocabulary lists containing physical
Introduction to Informational Text
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Word Generation Weekly - Series 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Glencoe Accounting: Real-World Applications & Connections," Vocabulary from Chapter 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 U visa is a nonimmigrant status granted to victims of some crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who cooperate with the government in the prosecution of their cases.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
She expanded the venture, opening a physical shop in the neighborhood in 2018, selling her clothes along with products made by other artists.
From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026
Over two visits to the new building, getting my physical bearings mattered less and less as I surrendered to the generative sensations of not knowing.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026
A blue-eyed humanoid robot carefully opens a box and places a tool inside as a crowd of visitors watch the demonstration of "physical AI" skills at a major industrial trade fair in Germany.
From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026
“His symptoms are such that physical exertion is out of the question. Nathan here is your brother’s representative.”
From "Healer of the Water Monster" by Brian Young
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
