athletic

adjective

ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈle-tik How to pronounce athletic (audio)
nonstandard
ˌa-thə-ˈle- How to pronounce athletic (audio)
Synonyms of athletic
1
: of or relating to athletes or athletics
an athletic scholarship
athletic teams
athletic events
2
a
: characteristic of an athlete
athletic talent
a strong, athletic build
b
: vigorous, active
an athletic lifestyle
c
: active or gifted in sports, games, or exercises
He's not very athletic.
3
: used by athletes
athletic shoes/equipment
the school's athletic fields
4
: mesomorphic
athletically
ath-ˈle-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce athletic (audio)
adverb

Examples of athletic in a Sentence

They each received an athletic scholarship to the school. Students can get discount tickets for all athletic events. His athletic career spanned three decades. She has great athletic ability. She's tall and has an athletic build.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The third day’s program in the athletic section of the Olympic games was a full one and varied in character. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 8 July 2026 This Eytino bikini set is comfortable and athletic enough for a long, active day at the beach. — Laurie Lyons-Makaimoku, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2026 The justices also avoided a broad ruling that would have had ramifications far beyond the athletic field for transgender rights. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The high-profile yet under-the-radar pair smartly chose the unusual venue, which has long been the site of rock concerts, athletic events, even the circus, for privacy reasons. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for athletic

Word History

Etymology

see athlete

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of athletic was in 1585

Phrases Containing athletic

Rhymes for athletic

See All Rhymes for athletic

Browse Nearby Words

athlete's heart
athletic
athleticism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Athletic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athletic. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

athletic

adjective
ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈlet-ik How to pronounce athletic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of athletes or athletics
2
: vigorous sense 1, active
3
: strong sense 1, muscular
athletically
-ˈlet-i-k(ə)lē How to pronounce athletic (audio)
adverb
athleticism
ath-ˈlet-ə-ˌsi-zəm
noun

Medical Definition

athletic

adjective
ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈlet-ik How to pronounce athletic (audio)
: characterized by heavy frame, large chest, and powerful muscular development : mesomorphic

More from Merriam-Webster on athletic

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for athletic

Nglish: Translation of athletic for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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