physical education

noun

: instruction in the development and care of the body ranging from simple calisthenic exercises to a course of study providing training in hygiene, gymnastics, and the performance and management of athletic games

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The Importance (Linguistic and Otherwise) of Physical Education

Physical education has existed since ancient times, but it wasn’t until several hundred years ago that the term itself (abbreviated as phys ed or PE) came into being. Its earliest known use comes, oddly enough, from a 1748 book titled Critical Reflections on Poetry, Painting, and Music: “Cannot some years prove more favorable than others to the physical education of children. . . ?” A few decades after these words were published, gymnasiums opened across Europe, especially in Germany, where gymnastics associations (or turnvereins) fostered physical health as well as civic involvement and cultural enrichment. Thanks in part to immigration, these clubs, and European enthusiasm for athletics in general, spread to the U.S. During the 19th century, American educators adopted European methods of teaching physical training, and both the word physical education and the phenomenon it represents became well established in this country.

Examples of physical education in a Sentence

He teaches physical education at the high school.

Recent Examples on the Web

Garcia is a physical education teacher and athletic director, according to the school’s staff directory. —Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025

The board approved Bates’ recommendation for a total of 24 credits, with three each in math and science, four each in social studies and English, two in physical education, one in fine arts and seven in electives. —Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

Rather than risk Sasaki joining the long list of high school stars blowing out early in their pro careers, Yoshii, who had earned a master’s degree in physical education to further his understanding of pitching mechanics, scripted a plan for Sasaki to build strength. —Stephen J. Nesbitt, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

Reilly began his career in 1972 as a physical education teacher at St. Matthew’s Parish School in Indian Orchard, Mass. —IEEE Spectrum, 31 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1748, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

physical education

noun

: instruction in the care and development of the body