First Known Use: 1580
Dictionary
1physical
adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\
: relating to the body of a person instead of the mind
: existing in a form that you can touch or see
: involving or related to sex
Full Definition of PHYSICAL
1
a : of or relating to natural science b (1) : of or relating to physics (2) : characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics
2
a : having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature <everything physical is measurable by weight, motion, and resistance — Thomas De Quincey> b : of or relating to material things
3
a : of or relating to the body <physical abuse> b (1) : concerned or preoccupied with the body and its needs : carnal <physical appetites> (2) : sexual <a physical love affair> <physical attraction> c : characterized by especially rugged and forceful physical activity : rough <a physical hockey game> <a physical player>
— phys·i·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
— phys·i·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun
See physical defined for English-language learners
See physical defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PHYSICAL
Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica
Related to PHYSICAL
- Antonyms
- nonmaterial, nonphysical
Synonym Discussion of PHYSICAL
material, physical, corporeal, phenomenal, sensible, objective mean of or belonging to actuality. material implies formation out of tangible matter; used in contrast with spiritual or ideal it may connote the mundane, crass, or grasping <material values>. physical applies to what is perceived directly by the senses and may contrast with mental, spiritual, or imaginary <the physical benefits of exercise>. corporeal implies having the tangible qualities of a body such as shape, size, or resistance to force <artists have portrayed angels as corporeal beings>. phenomenal applies to what is known or perceived through the senses rather than by intuition or rational deduction <scientists concerned with the phenomenal world>. sensible stresses the capability of readily or forcibly impressing the senses <the earth's rotation is not sensible to us>. objective may stress material or independent existence apart from a subject perceiving it <no objective evidence of damage>.
Rhymes with PHYSICAL
2physical
noun
: a medical examination to see if a person's body is healthy
Full Definition of PHYSICAL
See physical defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PHYSICAL
1934
PHYSICAL[1] Defined for Kids
physical
adjective phys·i·cal \ˈfi-zi-kəl\
Definition of PHYSICAL for Kids
1
: of the body : bodily <A stallion with a wonderful physical perfection … — Walter Farley, The Black Stallion>
2
: existing in a form that can be touched or seen <physical objects>
3
: of or relating to physics
— phys·i·cal·ly adverb
Learn More About PHYSICAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: physical anthropologyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: physic All Words Near: physical
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up physical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).