callisthenics

[ kal-uhs-then-iks ]

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) calisthenics.

callisthenics

/ ˌkælɪsˈθɛnɪks /

noun

1. functioning as plural light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc
2. functioning as singular the practice of callisthenic exercises

Derived Forms

• ˌcallisˈthenic, adjective

Other Words From

• callis·thenic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of callisthenics¹

C19: from calli- + Greek sthenos strength

Example Sentences

There they performed the slow callisthenics of Muslim devotion, kneeling on scraps of newspaper or on the damp concrete while passers-by slalomed between them.

From Economist

He recalls one older patient doing callisthenics to show he was getting better.

From The Guardian

It began with charitable aims but always carried quasi-military overtones as men in brown shorts performed dawn callisthenics.

From Economist

He was flexing his arms and legs in a series of complicated callisthenics.

From The Guardian

An ice hockey team headed to Finland did callisthenics drills to pass the time while waiting for JFK International Airport to reopen.

From BBC