aerobic

adjective

aer·​o·​bic ˌer-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
aerobic respiration
2
: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes
aerobic fermentation
3
a
: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
stationary bicycles used for aerobic conditioning
an aerobic workout
Aerobic exercise involves pushing your heart rate to 70% to 85% of its maximum, and keeping it there for 20 to 60 minutes at a time.—Tara Parker-Pope
b
: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise
… the average exerciser can skip a couple of weeks without experiencing declines in aerobic capacity or the ability of the heart and lungs to supply the muscles with oxygen …—Consumer Reports on Health
c
: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity
aerobic equipment
aerobically
ˌer-ˈō-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
adverb

Did you know?

Aerobic exercise is exercise that takes an extended amount of time—usually ten minutes or more—but is usually performed at only moderate intensity. Running, swimming, bicycling, and cross-country skiing are classic aerobic exercises. In 1968 a best-selling book called Aerobics introduced a system of exercise for increasing the body's ability to take in and use oxygen, and today aerobics classes, often mimicking such outdoor exercise as running and bicycling, take place every afternoon in thousands of gyms and YMCAs across the country. Aerobic exercise particularly strengthens the heart and lungs, but usually has many other good effects as well. Aerobic bacteria, which need oxygen to live, are essential for breaking down living matter so that it returns to the soil. They include the famous intestinal E. coli, as well as the staph and strep bacteria that can make a visit to the hospital risky.

Examples of aerobic in a Sentence

aerobic exercises like running and swimming aerobic organisms such as bacteria
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.
Plus, a wide body of research has shown that regular aerobic exercise can relieve stress and counter depression. —Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 How to Reduce Stroke Risk The new guideline recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 1 Nov. 2024 Plus, research finds that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise can help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure and a stronger immune system, Norwoods says. —Danielle Dimeglio, SELF, 31 Oct. 2024 The 2024 index found that only 51% of adults met the aerobic activity recommendations, and just 24% met both the aerobic and strength activity goals. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for aerobic 

Word History

Etymology

French aérobie "living only in the presence of oxygen" + -ic entry 1 — more at aerobe

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aerobic was in 1875

Dictionary Entries Near aerobic

aerobia

aerobic

aerobicize

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Aerobic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aerobic. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

aerobic

adjective
aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
ˌe(-ə)r-
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
2
: of, relating to, or caused by aerobic organisms (as bacteria)
3
: involving or increasing oxygen use
aerobic exercise
aerobically
-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

aerobic

adjective
aer·​o·​bic ˌa(-ə)r-ˈō-bik, ˌe(-ə)r- How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
1
: living, active, or occurring only in the presence of oxygen
aerobic respiration
2
: of, relating to, or induced by aerobes
aerobic fermentation
3
a
: of, relating to, or being activity which increases the body's demand for oxygen thereby resulting in a marked temporary increase in respiration and heart rate
aerobic exercise
b
: of or relating to the body's ability to consume oxygen during exercise
aerobic capacity
c
: relating to, resulting from, or used in aerobics or aerobic activity
aerobic shoes
aerobically
-bi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce aerobic (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on aerobic

Nglish: Translation of aerobic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of aerobic for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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