Added 9 October 2026
exercise
/ˈɛk.sə.saɪz/ noun
In Latin: exercitātiō, exercitium Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about exercise at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.
The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.
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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.
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Such activity of physical nature, for physical fitness (plus also mental benefit).
Swimming is good exercise.
verb
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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
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To perform physical activity for health or training.
I exercise at the gym every day.
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To use (a right, an option, etc.); to put into practice.
exercise caution
Origin
From Middle English exercise, from Old French exercise, from Latin exercitium. Displaced native Old English plega (“an exercise”) whence Modern English play.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)