athletic

[ath-let-ik]

adjective

physically active and strong; good at athletics or sports: an athletic child.

of, like, or befitting an athlete.

of or relating to athletes; involving the use of physical skills or capabilities, as strength, agility, or stamina: athletic sports; athletic training.

for athletics: an athletic field.

Psychology. (of a physical type) having a sturdy build or well-proportioned body structure.Compare asthenic(def 2), pyknic(def 1).

Origin of athletic

1595–1605; < Latin āthlēticus < Greek āthlētikós. See athlete, -ic

Related formsath·let·i·cal·ly, adverbath·let·i·cism

[ath-let-uh-siz-uh m] /æθˈlɛt əˌsɪz əm/, nounnon·ath·let·ic, adjectivenon·ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverbqua·si-ath·let·ic, adjectivequa·si-ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverbun·ath·let·ic, adjectiveun·ath·let·i·cal·ly, adverb

Pronunciation note

See athlete.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for athleticism

Contemporary Examples of athleticism

They are impressive animals, solitary hunters blessed with incredible power and athleticism.
This Tiger Has Some Serious Ups
Jack Holmes, The Daily Beast Video
January 2, 2015
The very source of his tremendous talent and athleticism seemed to betray him.
A Lesson From LeBron James’ Game One Nightmare
Dr. Anand Veeravagu, MD, Tej Azad
June 7, 2014
Whether in a vehicle or out of one, Christians should not make money from publicly competing in violent displays of athleticism.
St. Hippolytus’ Careers Christians Should Never Have
Candida Moss
May 4, 2014
Among the giants of fantasy, athleticism, and history, is there any room for the every day hero?
The Legend of Brown Dog: A Great American Hero Gets His Due
David Masciotra
December 7, 2013
You mix that with the Jamaican athleticism and they thought it could work with some of our track athletes.
Jamaican Bobsledder Tal Stokes Takes to Reddit and Reveals ‘Cool Runnings’ Was Mostly Made Up
October 17, 2013

Historical Examples of athleticism

Athleticism is as jealous an accomplishment as any art you would acquire.
Three Hundred Things a Bright Boy Can Do
Anonymous
Fred had grown into a lout of a boy, whose only saving grace was athleticism.
The Hall and the Grange
Archibald Marshall
Athleticism, of which he knew nothing, filled him with admiration.
The Sins of the Children
Cosmo Hamilton
Athleticism in England is an asceticism, as much as the monastic rules.
Twelve Types
G.K. Chesterton
Athleticism may be hopeless as a career, but as a drug it is invaluable.
Success (Second Edition)
Max Aitken Beaverbrook

British Dictionary definitions for athleticism

athletic

adjective

physically fit or strong; muscular or active

of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics

of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned bodySee also somatotype

Derived Formsathletically, adverbathleticism, noun

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

Word Origin and History for athleticism

1835, from athletic + -ism.

athletic

adj.

1630s (athletical is from 1590s), "pertaining to an athlete," from Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos, from athletes (see athlete). Meaning "strong of body; vigorous; lusty; robust" [Johnson, who spells it athletick] is from 1650s.