physicality

American  

[fiz-i-kal-i-tee] / ˌfɪz ɪˈkæl ɪ ti /

noun

physicalities plural

1. the physical attributes of a person, especially when overdeveloped or overemphasized.

2. preoccupation with one's body, physical needs, or appetites.

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physicality British  

/ ˌfɪzɪˈkælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being physical

2. the physical characteristics of a person, object, etc

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• physicalities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of physicality

First recorded in 1585–95; physical + -ity

Explanation

Physicality is the quality of being closely connected in some way to the body. The physicality of your modern dance might surprise your audience, who weren't expecting so much stomping around and rolling on the floor. You can also use the term physicality for things that are real, concrete and tangible: "I liked the physicality of that art exhibit, all of those huge sculptures that we could touch." It often refers to the presence of physical human bodies, though: "The physicality of the toddlers' play surprised me — they looked like professional wrestlers!" The key to this noun's meaning is the presence of physical, "relating to the body."

Example Sentences

“It’s hard, I think, on a defensive end, especially when you’re somebody that enjoys the physicality and you like to lean into it,” Hamby said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

It brought a physicality that PSG has rarely encountered this season.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026

He tells me that what excited him most about the project was using a Hollywood budget to dive deeper and bring a "real physicality" to ensure the film feels "distinct from the YouTube series".

From BBC • May 29, 2026

The 24-year-old, whose physicality unsettled the Springboks in the World Cup semi-final defeat in 2023, is highly valued by Borthwick.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

I’d taken comfort in the raw physicality of it, certain that if the coin was real, Tyler’s leaving could not be.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover