physical

1 of 2

adjective

phys·​i·​cal ˈfi-zi-kəl 

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

physicalness

ˈfi-zi-kəl-nəs 

noun

physical

2 of 2

noun

: physical examination

Synonyms

Adjective

• animal
• bodily
• carnal
• corporal
• corporeal
• fleshly
• material
• somatic

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of physical in a Sentence

Adjective

The program is designed to address both physical and emotional health.

No physical contact with other players is allowed in the game.

He has an unusual physical appearance.

There was no physical evidence of the crime.

Their relationship was purely physical.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Ford has requested joint legal and physical custody of their son, and also requested spousal support from the Superman Returns star. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 10 Jan. 2025

Lastly, although online payment systems offer a more secure payment alternative to cutting a physical check, companies run the risk of dealing with cyberattacks and data breaches. —Bek Abdullayev, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Noun

The decision came with financial implications, as Jones’ contract included a $23 million injury guarantee for 2025 that would have triggered if he got hurt and was unable to pass a physical in March. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025

There was the debacle when a lucrative agreement with Carlos Correa was rescinded when his physical disclosed a previous ankle injury only hours prior to the media conference announcing the deal. —Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 22 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English phisicale medical, from Medieval Latin physicalis, from Latin physica

First Known Use

Adjective

1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1934, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing physical

• hyper-physical
• in good physical condition
• physical anthropology
• physical appearance
• physical distance
• physical distancing
• physical education
• physical examination
• physical fitness
• physical geography
• physical medicine
• physical medicine and rehabilitation
• physical science
• physical therapist
• physical therapy

Kids Definition

physical

adjective

phys·​i·​cal

ˈfiz-i-kəl

1

a

: having material existence

b

: of or relating to material things

2

a

: of or relating to natural science

b

: of or relating to physics

3

: of or relating to the body : bodily

physically

-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Medical Definition

physical

1 of 2 adjective

phys·​i·​cal ˈfiz-i-kəl 

1

: having material existence : perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of nature

2

a

: of or relating to physics

b

: characterized or produced by the forces and operations of physics

3

: of or relating to the body

physically

-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

physical

2 of 2 noun

: physical examination