aerobics

plural noun

aer·​o·​bics ˌer-ˈō-biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
1
singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (such as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
2
: aerobic exercises

Did you know?

This is a system of physical conditioning intended to improve the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen. Aerobic exercises, such as running, jogging, swimming, and dancing, stimulate heart and lung activity. To produce a benefit, aerobic training must raise the heart rate (pulse) to the exerciser’s training level for at least 20 minutes and include at least three sessions a week.

Examples of aerobics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Last Showgirl actress, 66, recreated her famous aerobics scene from her 1985 film Perfect, which also stars John Travolta, on the latest episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon — only the pair's new version featured several saucy twists! Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Jamie Lee Curtis teamed up with Jimmy Fallon to recreate her legendary Perfect aerobics scene on The Tonight Show on Wednesday, nearly 40 years after the Oscar-winning actress and John Travolta performed its hip-thrusting choreography in the 1985 film. EW.com, 9 Jan. 2025 Some were comedic, like a moment when McKee, playing Annie in middle age, attends her first aerobics class. Alex Marshall, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025 Meanwhile, a few seconds later, on the opposite pool deck, Jennifer noticed her instructor had turned her attention away from the water aerobics class. Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for aerobics

Word History

Etymology

aerob(ic) + -ics

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerobics was in 1967

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Cite this Entry

“Aerobics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobics. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

aerobics

singular or plural noun
aer·​o·​bics ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
ˌe(-ə)r-
: a system of exercises intended to improve the body's ability to take in and use oxygen

Medical Definition

aerobics

noun plural
aer·​o·​bics -biks How to pronounce aerobics (audio)
1
singular or plural in construction : a system of physical conditioning involving exercises (as running, walking, swimming, or calisthenics) strenuously performed so as to cause marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
2
: aerobic exercises
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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