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

Dave Roberts gets his 1,000th victory as manager as Dodgers defeat the Athletics in Sacramento, 9-3.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

The Angels have plenty of gaps entering Saturday’s matchup with the Athletics.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 27, 2026

A tearful Keely Hodgkinson pulled out of the 400m final at the UK Athletics Championships moments before Sunday's race after feeling "a little twinge".

From BBC • Jun. 21, 2026

Badain is president of the Athletics, the Major League Baseball team building a new stadium on the Strip, scheduled to open in 2028.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

She drives over to the campus gym, and I follow her inside the building and down a hallway lined with plaques that list members of the Hempstead College Athletics Hall of Fame.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison