workout

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈwɜːk.aʊ̯t/ (UK); /ˈwɝk.aʊ̯t/ (US)^[1]

Etymology

It is from the verbal phrase work out (see work, out),^[2][3] also written work-out.^[2]

Earliest recorded meaning

A boxing bout for training: 1909 in Etymonline;^[2] Merriam-Webster dates the noun to 1892.^[3]

Semantic evolution

The general sense, a spell of strenuous physical exercise, is attested by 1922.^[2] The verbal phrase in the boxing sense, to box for practice, is by 1927, in the general sense to practise or rehearse by 1929, and to take exercise by 1948.^[2] A strenuous test of ability or endurance is also called a workout.^[4]

Timeline

• 1892 – first known use.^[3]
• 1909 – a training bout.^[2]
• 1922 – a spell of exercise.^[2]
• 1948 – to work out, to exercise.^[2]

Modern meaning

Noun

1. A session of physical exercise or training.
2. A strenuous test of ability or endurance.

Related words

• work
• exercise
• training

References

1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
4. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin