physique

noun

phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
: the form or structure of a person's body : bodily makeup

Examples of physique in a Sentence

she had a well-toned physique
Recent Examples on the Web Commentary circulated on blogs and in glossy magazines about how her physique fit (or didn’t fit) a certain paradigm for the female form; eventually Middleton was photographed sunbathing without a bikini top. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024 Jackie’s physique grows ever stronger, ever harder, even as her temper grows shorter. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Momoa was quick with the self-deprecating humor, too, in the face of his pal's impressive physique. Alex Ross, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 O’Brian, meanwhile, turns in a star-making performance, packed with undeniable charisma that outshines even her impressive physique, in her first major dramatic role. Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 7 Mar. 2024 Her straight brown-black hair, ballerina physique, and air of frankness bring to mind a Hellenic Frida Kahlo. Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 14 Feb. 2024 In 1987, Jones’ impressive physique led to him playing an on-screen bodyguard for DiBiase, one of wrestling's most iconic characters whose snobby persona and determined avoidance of a fight irked his rivals. Sean Neumann, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 While many people may want to increase their muscle mass primarily to improve physical fitness, some are also after a more attractive physique. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2024 Designed with a woman's physique in mind, the Jenness Waterproof Packable Jacket boasts Mobi Flex Tech and DryVent™ technology for versatility and sustainability. Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'physique.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from physique physical, bodily, from Latin physicus of nature, from Greek physikos

First Known Use

1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of physique was in 1804

Dictionary Entries Near physique

Cite this Entry

“Physique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physique. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

physique

noun
phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
: the build of a person's body

Medical Definition

physique

noun
phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
: the form or structure of a person's body : bodily makeup
a muscular physique

More from Merriam-Webster on physique

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