Olympic Games

American  

plural noun

1. Also called Olympian Games.  the greatest of the games or festivals of ancient Greece, held every four years in the plain of Olympia in Elis, in honor of Zeus.

2.  Olympics.  a modern international sports competition, held once every four years.

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Olympic Games British  

noun

1. the greatest Panhellenic festival, held every fourth year in honour of Zeus at ancient Olympia. From 472 _bc , it consisted of five days of games, sacrifices, and festivities

2. Also called: the Olympics.  the modern revival of these games, consisting of international athletic and sporting contests held every four years in a selected country since their inception in Athens in 1896 See also Winter Olympic Games

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Olympic Games Cultural  

1. Games held in ancient times on the plain of Olympia in Greece every four years. It was a time for laying aside political and religious differences, as athletes from all the Greek cities and districts competed. The games included patriotic and religious rituals as well as athletic contests, and high honors were given to the winners. The Greeks counted their years by olympiads (periods of four years) and dated events from the first Olympics in 776 b.c.

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Discover More

The Olympic Games deteriorated under Roman rule of Greece and were halted in the fourth century. They were revived in the late nineteenth century, with goals of peace and fellowship modeled on those of the ancient Olympics. The modern Olympics include many athletic events of the original games, such as the discus throw.

Etymology

Origin of Olympic Games

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

Soon after the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, it became the sportswear sponsor for China’s delegation to the 2012 Olympic Games in London, according to the South China Morning Post.

From Los Angeles Times

Everything you need to know about the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games from the Los Angeles Times’ team of reporters and photographers.

From Los Angeles Times

He added: "It would be just adorable out of this space if I'm really getting to the Olympic Games in cycling at 44."

From Barron's

Though he has been working in sports and entertainment for nearly three decades, Wasserman has for years described his work with his hometown’s Olympic Games as a more-lasting legacy.

From The Wall Street Journal

"It's everything. It's the gold medal at an Olympic Games. We are very lucky to be here and it's a great opportunity. We have got to be ready," MacKinnon said.

From Barron's