athletics

American  

[ath-let-iks] / æθˈlɛt ɪks /

noun

1. (usually used with a plural verb) athletic sports, as running, rowing, or boxing.

2. British. track-and-field events.

3. (usually used with a singular verb) the practice of athletic exercises; the principles of athletic training.

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athletics British  

/ æθˈlɛtɪks /

noun

1. 1. track and field events

   2. ( as modifier )

      an athletics meeting

2. sports or exercises engaged in by athletes

3. the theory or practice of athletic activities and training

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Pronunciation

See athlete.

Etymology

Origin of athletics

First recorded in 1595–1605; athletic, -ics

Explanation

Use the noun athletics to talk about sports, including team practice, games, and training. A serious baseball player might choose a college based on its athletics program. In Britain, the word athletics specifically refers to track and field competitions, such as long-distance running, high jump, and javelin. In the US, you can use the word to talk about any kind of sporty activity. The noun athletics comes from the adjective athletic, based on the model of gymnastics. The Greek root is athletes, "prizefighter" or "contestant in the games."

Example Sentences

The BBC has confirmed there are no plans to use Johnson, 58, in its athletics coverage this year.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

The first NIL millionaires in college athletics started trickling in shortly after the new rules went into effect five years ago, but now payments to the top athletes are exploding.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

“Whether and under what conditions transgender women should be allowed to compete in women’s athletics has been hotly contested,” the CSU lawsuit said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Commentators fill the resulting hours of dead air with personal anecdotes, weaving a charming one-sided conversation through the occasional interruption of athletics.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

Unlike his brother Jeff, who excelled at sports, PJ. wasn’t good at athletics.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French