conditioning

1 of 2

noun

con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdi-sh(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce conditioning (audio)
Synonyms of conditioningnext
1
: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest
also : the resulting state of physical fitness
2
: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response

conditioning

2 of 2

present participle of condition entry 2

Synonyms of conditioning

Relevance

Noun

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of conditioning in a Sentence

Noun the team's excellent physical conditioning With the proper conditioning, the horse will learn to trust and obey its handler.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The extreme heat pushed up air conditioning electricity demand, while heavy storms simultaneously dealt a blow to power supplies in parts of the country. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 The All-Pro left tackle spent the weeks since pulling a hamstring during a conditioning run on the first day of training camp riding a stationary bike, grinding on a VersaClimber, working in the pool and skiing his way back into football shape. — Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026 Allergy seasons are longer, mosquitoes and ticks stick around longer, demand for air conditioning runs later in the year, and fall colors arrive later and are less vibrant. — Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026 Instead, Hongqi said the solar roof could help supply lower-voltage electrical loads, including air conditioning, refrigerators and the vehicle’s sentry or monitoring systems. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conditioning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of conditioning was in 1861

Phrases Containing conditioning

Rhymes for conditioning

See All Rhymes for conditioning

Browse Nearby Words

conditioner
conditioning
condition powder
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conditioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conditioning. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Medical Definition

conditioning

noun
con·​di·​tion·​ing kən-ˈdish-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce conditioning (audio)
1
: the process of training to become physically fit by a regimen of exercise, diet, and rest
Good shoes and proper conditioning are the best bets for avoiding shin splints.—Current Health
He also got serious about his physical conditioning with a regimen that includes Pilates, weights and cardio training.—Alan Shipnuck, Sports Illustrated
also : the resulting state of physical fitness
Triathletes maintained their aerobic conditioning while developing new skills and strengthening neglected muscles. —Marlene Adrian, Shape
2
: a simple form of learning involving the formation, strengthening, or weakening of an association between a stimulus and a response
According to the theory, learning or conditioning is the process by which behavior is systematically and lastingly changed.—Harvard Mental Health Letter
… aversive conditioning to tie undesirable actions to unpleasant stimuli and thereby break habits.—The New York Times Magazine
see classical conditioning, operant conditioning

More from Merriam-Webster on conditioning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conditioning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All