gym English · revision 5211

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=clipping|attested=1871}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /dʒɪm/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a shortening of [[gymnasium]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989) and also of [[gymnastics]].^(OED 1989)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A gymnasium: 1871, in American student slang.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ As a school course in physical education it is recorded in the American Heritage Dictionary,^(AHD) and the ''gym rat'', someone who often goes to a gym, is North American.^(SOED 2002) The British ''gymslip'' is a schoolgirl's sleeveless tunic.^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1871 – short for gymnasium.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # A room or building with equipment for physical exercise; a [[gymnasium]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Physical education as a school subject.^(AHD)

+ # [[gymnastics]].^(Collins 2023)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[gym shoe]]

+ * [[jungle gym]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[gymnasium]]

+ * [[gymnast]]

+ * [[gymnastics]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}