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

Kenneth Wilkie, 78, said the steps were a "good workout" to help people stay fit.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Lululemon over potential toxic chemicals in its workout apparel.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 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

For the rest of your calories, try to drink them so your jaw doesn’t get a workout.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Grandma was staying at our house to keep an eye on me while they were gone, so after Joey’s workout she brought Joey and Zed back to my house.

From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

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