Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Her goal was to better understand how changes in the gut microbiome might support improved health, well-being, and athletic performance.

From Science Daily

One important proposal: Let parents who choose to expose their wannabe-elite athlete children to unaccountable authority figures, in pursuit of college athletic scholarships and Olympic glory, do so on their own dime.

From Salon

Holding kids back in school for an athletic edge has existed for decades on the elite fringe of prep sports.

From The Wall Street Journal

Despite competing at a high level athletically, she's not alone in her experience and young people are struggling with burnout in the workplace.

From BBC

Beyond that there is another target in her sights - the world record that has stood longer than any other in athletics.

From BBC