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

See Examples For:

athletics

Back at Scotstoun, work is ongoing to transform the home of the Glasgow Warriors rugby team into a showpiece athletics venue.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

"I quite fancy going to some of the athletics to cheer on the Scottish athletes," says Steven Foster, who stays near Scotstoun Stadium, which will host the athletics.

From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026

Most notably, they permit sex segregation in school athletics by sometimes requiring the creation of boys’ teams and girls’ teams.

From Slate ● Jul. 15, 2026

That dearth extends well beyond baseball, touching almost every sport in recreational and school athletics, according to Bill Topp, president of the National Association of Sports Officials, a trade and advocacy group.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

In Harlem that power was expressed in muscle, in being someone who wouldn’t take any nonsense or who was good at athletics.

From "Bad Boy" by Walter Dean Myers