athletic

[ath-let-ik]

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.

athletic

/ 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

Pronunciation Note

See athlete.

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of athletic¹

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

Example Sentences

He has incredible arm talent, which is different, and he is so athletic.

Read more on BBC

The word also was uttered twice during a short video in which athletic director Martin Jarmond delivered the game ball to Skipper.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lean and athletic, with a wildness in his eyes, Ray displays the same antagonism as Day-Lewis’ Bill the Butcher from “Gangs of New York” or Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’s a very athletic kind of music to play and perform on stage.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Afterward, Logan received lots of hugs and a special trophy from athletic director Tony Barile.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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