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

As poster boy Armand Duplantis performed the Ultimate Championship's official song and fireworks lit up the sky above the newly crowned winners, athletics had taken its first strides in a new direction.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

“Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026

The topic is a hot one around college athletics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

We contacted a variety of figures in the British athletics community, people who know Baptiste, the UK Foreign Office, and authorities in Morocco in order to piece together the timeline of events.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

Louie was made eligible for athletics for 1932.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand