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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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

With an Olympic Games on the horizon, Warner Judd attempted an immediate return to running but soon discovered that her body was not up to the task.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

It is a key step on the road he hopes will lead to a fourth Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 - and possibly another Olympic gold.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

His dad, Matt, played at Stanford and is head coach for the 2028 Olympic Games men’s beach volleyball team.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

Tickets for the general public for the LA28 Olympic Games are on sale from April 9 to 19.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

In 1980, when we were still in Kabul, the U.S. announced it would be boycotting the Olympic Games in Moscow.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini