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; see origin at 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

There’s little clarity about where things stand in college athletics right now, let alone where they’re going.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026

Gap also said it’s had trouble clearing out merchandise at athletics apparel brand Athleta, where same-store sales tumbled 11%.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

A 28-year-old woman also died of heatstroke at an indoor athletics meeting in the eastern Rhone region.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

"We know we're entering into something really ambitious. Ultimately we want to build a league around athletics, which historically has not had commercial success. This is a big moment for us."

From BBC • May 21, 2026

He hated athletics because it speeded up the process of sweat.

From "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier