Synonyms

athletics

American

[ath-let-iks] / æθˈlɛt ɪks /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb) athletic sports, as running, rowing, or boxing.
British. track-and-field events.
(usually used with a singular verb) the practice of athletic exercises; the principles of athletic training.

athletics British

/ æθˈlɛtɪks /

noun

1. track and field events
2. ( as modifier )
  
  an athletics meeting
sports or exercises engaged in by athletes
the theory or practice of athletic activities and training

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Pronunciation

See athlete.

Etymology

Origin of athletics

First recorded in 1595–1605; athletic, -ics

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Add social events such as athletics, campus productions and events, and just being around friends, and I’m pretty much out of time in my day.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their plight at the hugely unpopular and vast former athletics track is well documented, with fans pining for Upton Park's intimidating atmosphere.

From BBC

"Instead of being solely focused on athletics, I'm making sure that I'm nourishing some things away from the track," she adds.

From BBC

Beyond that there is another target in her sights - the world record that has stood longer than any other in athletics.

From BBC

A strike could lead to cuts in athletics, career services and the district’s International Baccalaureate program, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023