physical education
noun
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The Importance (Linguistic and Otherwise) of Physical Education
Physical education has existed since ancient times, but it wasn’t until several hundred years ago that the term itself (abbreviated as phys ed or PE) came into being. Its earliest known use comes, oddly enough, from a 1748 book titled Critical Reflections on Poetry, Painting, and Music: “Cannot some years prove more favorable than others to the physical education of children. . . ?” A few decades after these words were published, gymnasiums opened across Europe, especially in Germany, where gymnastics associations (or turnvereins) fostered physical health as well as civic involvement and cultural enrichment. Thanks in part to immigration, these clubs, and European enthusiasm for athletics in general, spread to the U.S. During the 19th century, American educators adopted European methods of teaching physical training, and both the word physical education and the phenomenon it represents became well established in this country.
Examples of physical education in a Sentence
The Denver Post Editorial Board, The Denver Post, 2 Nov. 2024
An active teen with a knack for horseback riding, Andrew, 15, likes to stay active through sports which explains why physical education is his favorite class.
—The Star, Kansas City Star, 6 July 2024
But beyond physical education, the move to the mountains is designed to create a stimulating and enriching environment.
—Lysanne Currie, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2024
That includes at least 30 art, music, physical education and library media positions.
—Rory Linnane, Journal Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for physical education 
Dictionary Entries Near physical education
Cite this Entry
“Physical education.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physical%20education. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
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