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

Noun Inflected Forms

• 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

The 52-year-old's squad selections have followed that thinking with an emphasis on physicality and powerful running when he picked his 26-man squad for the tournament.

From BBC • Jun. 17, 2026

But there is an emerging feeling that Tuchel prefers more physicality in his central defensive pairing – with Stones and Konsa bigger than Guehi.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

The three Graham works I caught brimmed with powerful physicality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

You take this physicality and vocal pattern that I had developed as Carolyn, but then really have some proof for that to be the jumping-off point.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

It was as if she needed the reassurance of their physicality when they were not together.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie