physique

noun

phy·​sique fə-ˈzēk How to pronounce physique (audio)
Synonyms of physiquenext
: the form or structure of an animal's body and especially a human body : bodily makeup

Synonyms of physique

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Examples of physique in a Sentence

she had a well-toned physique
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 fact that Drew still gazed upon my more than half-a-century-old, decidedly not-hot physique with love and desire was a marvel and a gift. — Diana Daniele, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026 In this iteration, their physiques are displayed not for aesthetic purposes but as a visual manifestation of volatile power. — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026 Skarsgård’s wicker willy wasn’t the only thing that was impressive, but rather his whole physique. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026 Johnson also appears to have a notably narrower physique than his usual muscular build. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for physique

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

Rhymes for physique

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Browse Nearby Words

physiotherapy
physique
physiqued
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Cite this Entry

“Physique.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/physique. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about physique

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