workout

American  

[wurk-out] / ˈwɜrkˌaʊt /

noun

1. a trial or practice session in athletics, as in running, boxing, or football.

2. a structured regime of physical exercise.

   She goes to the gym for a workout twice a week.

3. any trial or practice session.

4. an act or instance of working something out.

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Etymology

Origin of workout

First recorded in 1890–95; noun use of verb phrase work out

Explanation

A workout is an exercise session. If you hope to join your school's track team, you'd better be prepared for regular workouts. If you do yoga, lift weights, or run with your dog, you can call each of these activities a workout. When it's a verb, workout becomes two separate words: work out. So you can either say "I work out three days a week" or "I usually do three workouts a week." When this noun first appeared around the turn of the 20th century, it referred specifically to a practice boxing match.

Example Sentences

Shares of Lululemon Athletica were down after the Texas attorney general announced an investigation into whether the company’s popular workout wear could contain potentially toxic chemicals.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

“We train together. We love working out together. And he’s a great workout partner.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

The entirety of the 10th floor is occupied by the palatial primary suite, which features its own spa-style bathroom, a sauna, a workout room, dual dressing rooms, as well as a private terrace.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Many of them failed, including workout gear made of wool.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

That way if he was late, or if Coach Whit wasn't around, we could—Aaron could—run the workout for the team.

From "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds

Related Words

• conditioning
• drill
• rehearsal
• routine
• session
• test
• training
• tryout