# physique

/fəˈzik/ (US) · /fɪzˈiːk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/physique
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the shape and size of a person's body. It usually describes how strong or healthy someone looks.

For teachers: the physical form or constitution of a human body, especially regarding muscular development and proportion.

## Examples

- He has a very athletic physique.
- Years of swimming and weightlifting gave him a powerful physique that stood out in the crowd.
- The sculptor spent months studying human anatomy to ensure that the marble statue accurately reflected the powerful physique of a classical athlete.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modified by adjectives like 'athletic', 'powerful', 'slight', or 'lean'.

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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.