exercise

About 54.75 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.

   The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.

2. noun Activity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness.

   I like to do my exercises every morning before breakfast. I do calisthenics for physical exercise, and I do crosswords for mental exercise.

3. noun Such activity of physical nature, for physical fitness (plus also mental benefit).

   Swimming is good exercise.

4. noun Such activity of mental nature, for neurocognitive health.

   Such exercises as puzzles and chess can help keep the mind sharp as we age.

5. noun A setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use.

   The law guarantees us the free exercise of our rights.

6. noun The performance of an office, ceremony, or duty.

   I assisted the ailing vicar in the exercise of his parish duties.

7. noun That which gives practice; a trial; a test.
8. verb To exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop.

   to exercise troops or horses; to exercise one's brain with a puzzle

Similar words

workout work out carry out drill exert work employment use utilisation practise

Often followed by

of in the and is a their his for

Word family

exercisable exercised exercises exercising