English Reference

Word

workout

Phoneticswork·out, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈwɝˌkaʊt/

UK/wˈɜːkaʊt/

Definitions

01exercise session

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a period of time you spend doing physical exercise to stay healthy or get stronger.

n. a discrete session of physical exercise, typically structured for fitness or athletic training.

“After a long day at the office, a quick workout at the gym helps me relax.”

“The athlete followed a rigorous morning workout that focused on core stability and cardiovascular endurance before starting her technical drills.”

Pitfall

I did a hard work out this morning.

I did a hard workout this morning.

Use the single word 'workout' for the noun; 'work out' is the phrasal verb.

Synonyms

training sessionexercise

02exercise program

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports

n. a specific plan or set of exercises you follow to reach a goal.

n. a systematic schedule or program of exercises designed to achieve a specific physiological result.

“My trainer gave me a new workout to help strengthen my lower back.”

“The physical therapist designed a custom workout for the patient to ensure a safe recovery after the knee surgery.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “workout” in context.

Verb

01. complete a grueling workout

“The athletes felt a sense of accomplishment after they completed a grueling workout in the heat.”

verb + adj + noun

02. skip a workout

“If you skip a workout once in a while, it won't ruin your long-term progress.”

verb + noun

03. squeeze in a workout

“Despite her busy schedule, she managed to squeeze in a workout before the meeting.”

verb + prep + noun

Adjective

04. invigorating workout

“I always feel more focused at work after an invigorating workout in the morning.”

adj + noun

05. strenuous workout

“A strenuous workout can lead to muscle soreness if you don't stretch properly afterward.”

adj + noun

Noun

06. cardio workout

“He prefers a high-intensity cardio workout to lifting weights at the gym.”

noun + noun

07. workout routine

“Consistency is key when you are trying to establish a new workout routine.”

noun + noun

Preposition

08. during a workout

“It is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during a workout.”

prep + noun

Real-World Examples

“Ice baths can reduce soreness and support short-term recovery after an intense workout.”
The Conversation 18 Aug 2026
“The team compared the effects of individual workouts and physical activity performed together as a couple on three relationship outcomes: communication, conflict resolution and marital stress.”
Phys.org 11 Aug 2026

Etymology

Deverbal from work out.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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