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

“There has been a propensity to look at pro coaches and just assume that they must be better, more sophisticated,” said Wake Forest athletic director John Currie, who hired Vitello at Tennessee in 2017.

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When LSU gave him the heave-ho in October, the athletic director cited Coach Kelly’s failure to “lead us to multiple SEC and national championships.”

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But his athletic, endurance game came good, with a galloping break near the end earning the territory from which Slade went over.

Read more on BBC

There’s little doubt Logan has his father’s athletic talent.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Brian and his cousin are athletic, with broad shoulders and thick biceps, and they dream of a life beyond the fields.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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