athletics

American  

[ath-let-iks] / æθˈlɛt ɪks /

noun

1. (usually used with a plural verb) athletic sports, as running, rowing, or boxing.

2. British. track-and-field events.

3. (usually used with a singular verb) the practice of athletic exercises; the principles of athletic training.

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athletics British  

/ æθˈlɛtɪks /

noun

1. 1. track and field events

   2. ( as modifier )

      an athletics meeting

2. sports or exercises engaged in by athletes

3. the theory or practice of athletic activities and training

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Pronunciation

See athlete.

Etymology

Origin of athletics

First recorded in 1595–1605; athletic, -ics

Example Sentences

One of the most unexpected storylines surrounding this year’s Olympic Opening Ceremony has little to do with athletics and everything to do with real life.

From Salon

Before joining the Journal, he worked for the Huffington Post on a range of topics from the business of college athletics to the World Bank's policies protecting indigenous people.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the rearview mirror, almost nobody thinks that was a good idea, for either athletics or international relations: It nearly destroyed the U.S.

From Salon

That amount is across all sports, and the schools have discretion on how to distribute those funds across their athletics.

From MarketWatch

While soccer, football and basketball make up the top three most-traded sports on Polymarket, partnerships with the professional basketball and football leagues and the college athletics league seem unlikely.

From Barron's