athletic

American  

[ath-let-ik] / æθˈlɛt ɪk /

adjective

1. physically active and strong; good at athletics or sports.

   an athletic child.

2. of, like, or befitting an athlete.

3. of or relating to athletes; involving the use of physical skills or capabilities, as strength, agility, or stamina: athletic training.

   athletic sports;

   athletic training.

4. for athletics.

   an athletic field.

5. Psychology. (of a physical type) having a sturdy build or well-proportioned body structure.

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athletic British  

/ æθˈlɛtɪk /

adjective

1. physically fit or strong; muscular or active

2. of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics

3. of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body See also somatotype

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Pronunciation

See athlete.

Other Word Forms

• athletically adverb
• athleticism noun
• nonathletic adjective
• nonathletically adverb
• quasi-athletic adjective
• quasi-athletically adverb
• unathletic adjective
• unathletically adverb

Etymology

Origin of athletic

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin āthlēticus, from Greek āthlētikós; athlete, -ic

Explanation

If you're athletic, you have a natural talent for sports and fitness. You might jump nonstop through a strenuous aerobics class, then go run a few miles, and top it off shooting hoops with the basketball team. If you're a champion speed skater, you've most definitely got an athletic build, and while skinny jeans may not look so great on you, you probably look pretty good in running shorts. You know the ancient Greeks loved athletic competitions — after all, they invented the Olympics. Fittingly enough, the word athletic goes back to the Greek word athlein, meaning "to compete for a prize."

Example Sentences

Officials in L.A. have said they are still waiting to learn from the Secret Service how broad the security “blast area” should be around each athletic venue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

In effect, the Big Ten isn’t just thinking about itself as an athletic conference, but as a distribution network.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

The family of a 13-year-old who died in a crash have paid tribute to a "fun, bright, handsome, athletic" boy who was "incredibly well-liked".

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

So what might happen if athletic departments lost their tax-exempt, charitable status?

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

He wears athletic shorts and a sleeveless singlet.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• active
• energetic
• muscular
• powerful
• robust
• strong
• vigorous