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

Parents have been concerned about the school since the summer when executive director David Hussey and assistant principal in charge of athletics Devon Rose were ousted.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026

It should recognize that certain coordinated rules are essential to producing college athletics as a product.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

The world record for the women's 800m is the longest-standing in athletics.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Today Title IX, the 1972 civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal money, has transformed women’s and girls’ athletics.

From Slate ● Aug. 7, 2026

The sons of Bull Meecham lived with the awareness that they would never match the excellence of their father in athletics.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy