Physicality refers to the physical nature of something, or how much something involves the body and physical contact.

In sports, physicality means how much players use their bodies, strength, and contact with opponents. Basketball has more physicality than golf: players bump into each other fighting for rebounds, set hard screens, and drive aggressively to the basket. Hockey has even more physicality, with body checking and collisions along the boards. When coaches talk about increasing the physicality of their play, they mean being more aggressive with the body, playing tougher, and not shying away from contact.

The word also describes the physical qualities of a person or performance. An actor might bring great physicality to a role by using expressive movements, athletic ability, or a commanding stage presence. A dancer's physicality includes their strength, flexibility, and how they move their body through space.

You might hear someone say “the physicality of the job” when describing work that demands strength or endurance, like construction or farming. Or a teacher might mention the physicality of young children, meaning their constant need to move, jump, and use their bodies rather than sit still.