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. A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding
   "The students completed maths exercises to practice algebra";
   - example
    
3. Systematic training by multiple repetitions
   "Daily exercise improved their skills";
   - practice, drill, practice session
    
4. The act of using
   "The proper exercise of authority requires wisdom";
   - use, usage, utilization, utilisation [Brit], employment
    
5. An action, often used negatively and without consequences
   "an exercise in futility"; "an exercise in cheap talk"
    
6. (usually plural) a ceremony that involves processions and speeches
   "academic exercises"

1. Put to use
   "exercise one's power or influence";
   - exert
    
2. Carry out, engage in (as of jobs and professions)
   "She exercises her duties as mayor with dedication";
   - practice [N. Amer], practise [Brit, Cdn], do
    
3. Do physical exercise
   "She exercises in the gym every day";
   - work out
    
4. Give a workout to
   "Some parents exercise their infants"; "this puzzle will exercise your mind";
   - work, work out
    
5. Repeat an activity or skill many times or regularly to improve or maintain proficiency
   "The pianist exercised the difficult passage until it was perfect";
   - drill, practice [N. Amer], practise [Brit, Cdn]

Derived forms: exercising, exercises, exercised

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

Encyclopedia: Exercise