work·out
ˈwərk-ˌau̇t 
1
: a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness for athletic competition, ability, or performance
2
: a test of one's ability, capacity, stamina, or suitability
3
: an undertaking or plan intended to resolve a problem of indebtedness especially in lieu of bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings
worked out; working out; works out
1
a
: to bring about by labor and exertion
… work out your own salvation …—
Philippians 2:12 (King James Version)
Philippians 2:12 (King James Version)
b
: to solve (something, such as a problem) by a process of reasoning or calculation
c
: to devise, arrange, or achieve by resolving difficulties
worked out an agreement
d
: develop
… the final situation is not worked out with psychological profundity …—Leslie Rees
Leslie Rees2
: to discharge (a debt) by labor
3
: to exhaust (something, such as a mine) by working
1
a
: to prove effective, practicable, or suitable
How this will actually work out I don't know …—Milton Kotler
Milton Kotler
b
: to amount to a total or calculated figure
—used with at or to
2
: to engage in a workout
works out regularly at the gym
Synonyms of workout
Examples of workout in a Sentence
Noun
The team had a good workout at practice today.
Her workout includes running on the treadmill and lifting weights.
Verb
by putting our heads together, we were able to work out the problem
worked out a compromise between the warring factions
Recent Examples on the Web
Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
How to Do This 5-Minute Plank Routine There are ten exercises in this workout.
—Jenny McCoy, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
Noelle Alviz-Gransee
updated March 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
More than 100 staff members from all 32 NFL teams went to UM’s campus to watch the Hurricanes’ NFL draft prospects work out during the annual Pro Day.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workout
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show current usage.
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Noun
New Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley was one of the head coaches on site for the workouts.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
How to Do This 5-Minute Plank Routine There are ten exercises in this workout.
—Jenny McCoy, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
Otero, who works out of her studio in the West Bottoms, makes earrings, claw clips, charm necklaces and bracelets out of acrylics, metal, stones and beads, using inspiration for her childhood swimming in the ocean.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee
updated March 23, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026
More than 100 staff members from all 32 NFL teams went to UM’s campus to watch the Hurricanes’ NFL draft prospects work out during the annual Pro Day.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for workout
Cite this Entry
“Workout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workout. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
workout
1 of 2 noun
work·out
ˈwər-ˌkau̇t
: a practice or exercise to test or improve one's fitness especially in athletics
work out
2 of 2 verbˌwər-ˈkau̇t,
ˈwər-
1
: to bring about by effort or by clearing up difficulties
2
a
: solve
work out a math problem
b
: develop sense 2
work out a plan
3
: to be successful
our plans for reorganization worked out
4
: to perform athletic exercises to improve one's fitness
working out at the gym
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