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

• athleticism noun
• athletically adverb
• 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

The prospect of having his child trackside at the LA Paralympics in three years' time is providing added motivation for Pembroke to continue his work both in and out of athletics.

From BBC

For those high schools in California that still don’t have an athletic trainer, what happened last week at San Clemente High was another reason why they are so valuable for the safety reasons.

From Los Angeles Times

“Is there confidence in the current athletic director when there’s been swing-and-misses,” Neuheisel asked, “or do you need to go find somebody else?”

From Los Angeles Times

Despite relay medals supplying five of GB's 10 athletics medals at last summer's Games, there was no success here - with the men's 4x100m quartet failing to get the baton round in their heat.

From BBC

It wasn’t cold enough to discourage Sanchez from continuing his quest to balance athletics and academics.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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