# gym

/ˈdʒɪm/ (US) · /dʒˈɪm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gym
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. exercise facility

noun · CEFR A1

a building or room with equipment for doing physical exercise and lifting weights.

For teachers: a commercial or private facility equipped with apparatus for physical exercise, weightlifting, and cardiovascular training.

- I try to go to the gym at least three times a week to stay fit.
- The local gym recently invested in high-end rowing machines and a dedicated area for functional strength training to attract more serious athletes.

### 2. school sports hall

noun · CEFR A2

a large room in a school used for sports, games, and physical education.

For teachers: a large hall within an educational institution designed for indoor sports, assemblies, and physical training.

- The whole school gathered in the gym for the end-of-year assembly.
- During the winter months, the basketball team practices in the school gym because the outdoor courts are often covered in ice.

### 3. school subject

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a class in school where students do exercise and play sports.

For teachers: a school curriculum subject focused on physical fitness and motor skills; synonymous with physical education.

- We have gym on Tuesday mornings, so I need to bring my trainers to school.
- Many students find that gym provides a necessary mental break from the rigours of academic subjects like mathematics and physics.

## Examples

- I go to the gym three times a week.
- The local gym offers a variety of classes including yoga, weightlifting, and indoor cycling.
- Modern urban developments often include a communal gym to attract residents who value convenient access to fitness facilities without needing a separate membership.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.