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1. The activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
   "the doctor recommended regular exercise";
   - exercising, physical exercise, physical exertion, workout
    
2. The act of using
   - use, usage, utilization, utilisation [Brit], employment
    
3. Systematic training by multiple repetitions
   "exercise makes perfect";
   - practice, drill, practice session, recitation
    
4. A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
   - example
    
5. (usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches
   "academic exercises"
    
6. An action, often used negatively and without consequences
   "an exercise in futility"; "an exercise in cheap talk"

1. Put to use
   "exercise one's power or influence";
   - exert
    
2. Carry out, engage in (as of jobs and professions)
   "exercise law";
   - practice [N. Amer], practise [Brit, Cdn], do
    
3. Give a workout to
   "Some parents exercise their infants"; "this puzzle will exercise your mind";
   - work, work out
    
4. Do physical exercise
   "She exercises in the gym every day";
   - work out
    
5. Learn by repetition
   - drill, practice [N. Amer], practise [Brit, Cdn]

Derived forms: exercises, exercising, exercised

Type of: action, activity, apply, ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, ceremony, effort, elbow grease, employ, exertion, grooming, learn, lesson, observance, preparation, put to work, read, study, sweat [informal], take, training, travail [literary], use, utilise [Brit], utilize, work

Encyclopedia: Exercise