physique
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of physique
1820–30; < French < Latin physicus. See physic
Explanation
Physique is a word used to describe the form or shape of the human body. If you have a buff physique, you’re in great shape. Well done. Physique, pronounced "fiz-eek,” is from French for “physical.” Someone with a muscular physique has been getting physical in the gym. Everyone has a physique (except ghosts) but the word often refers to a muscular or well-sculpted body. Sometimes people who train for events like marathons or body-building competitions like to take pictures of their physiques before and after.
Vocabulary lists containing physique
And Then There Were None
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English Words Derived from French, List 4
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Dumplin'
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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.
He transformed his physique to create Reuben's intimidating presence.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
The lithe physique of the rubber man of tennis enabled him to chase down seemingly lost causes and he combined a brutally efficient game with a rock-solid defence.
From Barron's • Jan. 31, 2026
Then there was World War II. Given Cooper’s eye injury and poor physique, he made for an unpromising soldier.
From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 10, 2025
The unveiling of his new physique included Judge giving him a game-used bat and a pair of his Air Jordan 1 Low cleats.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2025
Wes’s athletic physique and laid-back style, combined with the obvious trappings of a kid with disposable income—a new pair of sneakers every day, brand-name clothes—made him very popular with the girls around town.
From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore
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.
