athletics

[ ath-let-iks ]

/ æθˈlɛt ɪks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR athletics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

British. track-and-field events.

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

Nearby words

athletic heart, athletic shoe, athletic support, athletic supporter, athleticism, athletics, athodyd, athol, atholl brose, athonite, athos

Origin of athletics

First recorded in 1595–1605; see origin at athletic, -ics

Pronunciation note

See athlete.

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

Examples from the Web for athletics

For thousands of kids, particularly poor kids in the South, where football is a way of life, athletics has been a road out.
Football Great Bob Suffridge Wanders Through the End Zone of Life|Paul Hemphill|September 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Afterwards, in the afternoon, campers pick between theater, dance, athletics, and crafts.
A Camp Away From Terror: Where Israeli and Palestinian Kids Find Common Ground|Nina Strochlic|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That is, like all things, a matter of perspective (as well as being a question of whether one is a Giants or an Athletics fan).
New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 1913: How We Celebrated 100 Years Ago|Charles Emmerson|December 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I can't help but notice that most of the people who are making this case went to schools where athletics are an afterthought.
Kevin Ware and Market Value of College Athletes|Michael Tomasky|April 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Certain forms of talent we easily respect: talent at athletics, talent for entertainment.
I Was Adam Lanza, Part 3|David Frum|December 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He knew what it would mean to Langridge not to pitch—that he would be out of athletics for the rest of his college course.
The Rival Pitchers|Lester Chadwick
Then I went East and entered a great college; went in for athletics, and wore my first dress-suit.
The Princess Elopes|Harold MacGrath
Athletics, however, contains an element which is all-important—team work.
The Library of Work and Play: Guide and Index|Cheshire L. Boone
The ground was too steep for athletics; no cricket could be possible there, no lawn tennis, no quoits, no anything.
The English in the West Indies|James Anthony Froude
The worst of it is that it takes so long to become really good in any branch of athletics.
Broad-Sword and Single-Stick|R. G. Allanson-Winn

British Dictionary definitions for athletics

athletics

/ (æθˈlɛtɪks) /

noun (functioning as plural or singular)

track and field events
(as modifier)an athletics meeting

sports or exercises engaged in by athletes

the theory or practice of athletic activities and training

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 athletics

athletics

c.1730, from athletic; also see -ics. Probably formed on model of gymnastics.

athletics

noun

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of athletics

Pronunciation note

Examples from the Web for athletics

British Dictionary definitions for athletics

athletics

noun (functioning as plural or singular)

Word Origin and History for athletics

athletics