Definition of "exercise" in English

noun

1. (countable) Any activity designed to develop or hone a skill or ability.

   • The teacher told us that the next exercise is to write an essay.

2. (countable, uncountable) Activity intended to improve physical, or sometimes mental, strength and fitness.

   • Swimming is good exercise.
   • I like to do my exercises every morning before breakfast.
   • I do crosswords for mental exercise.

3. A setting in action or practicing; employment in the proper mode of activity; exertion; application; use.

   • The law guarantees us the free exercise of our rights.
   • December 8, 1801, Thomas Jefferson, first annual message exercise of the important function confided by the constitution to the legislature

4. The performance of an office, ceremony, or duty.

   • I assisted the ailing vicar in the exercise of his parish duties.

5. (obsolete) That which gives practice; a trial; a test.

verb

1. To exert for the sake of training or improvement; to practice in order to develop.

   • to exercise troops or horses;  to exercise one's brain with a puzzle

2. (intransitive) To perform physical activity for health or training.

   • I exercise at the gym every day.

3. (transitive) To use (a right, an option, etc.); to put into practice.

   • exercise caution
   • The tenant exercised his option to renew the tenancy.
   • She is going to exercise her right to vote.

4. (now often passive voice) To occupy the attention and effort of; to task; to tax, especially in a painful or vexatious manner; harass; to vex; to worry or make anxious.

   • exercised with pain

5. (obsolete) To set in action; to cause to act, move, or make exertion; to give employment to.