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Synonyms

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.


athletics British  
/ æθˈlɛtɪks /

noun

    1. track and field events

    2. ( as modifier )

      an athletics meeting

  1. sports or exercises engaged in by athletes

  2. 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

Pronunciation

See athlete.

Etymology

Origin of athletics

First recorded in 1595–1605; athletic, -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Rand, whose death aged 86 was announced on Friday, became the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, thanks to her long jump victory in Tokyo in 1964.

From BBC

Mary Rand, the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics, has died at the age of 86.

From BBC

The stadium has continued to host athletics events since West Ham's move, including the 2017 World Athletics Championships and Diamond League meets.

From BBC

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

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

From BBC