physics

noun

phys·​ics ˈfi-ziks How to pronounce physics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
Synonyms of physicsnext
1
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions
2
a
: the physical processes and phenomena of a particular system
b
: the physical properties and composition of something

Examples of physics 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.
Quantum mechanics, which recently turned 100 years old, ranks as the most successful theory in the history of physics. — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 Elon Musk thinks future economies could measure wealth using the laws of physics instead of dollars. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026 Traditional CPUs excel at sequential computing tasks, such as calculating a massive spreadsheet or running a precise physics simulation, as these often require executing steps in strict order at blazing speeds. — New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2026 Nearly a decade after Tesla first announced its second-generation Roadster, the company debuted the car in a flashy demo that seemed to challenge the laws of physics. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physics

Word History

Etymology

Latin physica, plural, natural science, from Greek physika, from neuter plural of physikos of nature, from physis growth, nature, from phyein to bring forth — more at be

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of physics was in 1715

Phrases Containing physics

Rhymes for physics

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Browse Nearby Words

physic root
physics
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Cite this Entry

“Physics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physics. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

physics

noun
phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce physics (audio)
1
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their actions upon each other in the fields of mechanics, heat, light, electricity, sound, and the atomic nucleus
2
: physical composition, characteristics, or processes
the physics of sound

Medical Definition

physics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
phys·​ics ˈfiz-iks How to pronounce physics (audio)
: a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions in the fields of mechanics, acoustics, optics, heat, electricity, magnetism, radiation, atomic structure, and nuclear phenomena

More from Merriam-Webster on physics

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for physics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physics

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