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

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

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Going forward, the district said it will review all athletic programs in its district to ensure “protocols, training and expectations are clearly understood and consistently applied.”

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He coached and was athletic director at so many high schools he could have worn a different mascot shirt every day for weeks.

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Ma’s tall, athletic form almost fills my doorway.

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Related Words

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