The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition
n. Gymnastic exercises designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical well-being: Sit-ups, trunk twists, and other calisthenics are demonstrated on the videotape.
n. The practice or art of such exercises: Calisthenics is recommended to relax the muscles before a run.
n. plural Gymnastic exercises, especially morning exercises, done to keep one's body healthy.
n. singular A system of such exercises.
the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
n. The science, art, or practice of healthful exercise of the body and limbs, to promote strength, gracefulness, and general fitness; light gymnastics.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
n. the practice of calisthenic exercises
n. light exercises designed to promote general fitness
Word Usage
"As freshmen we hadn’t actually attended them, but the main feature of the night was called calisthenics, and it was some cheesy aerobics routine."