athletic

adjective

ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈle-tik 

nonstandard

ˌa-thə-ˈle- 

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 

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

So when Nathan Burke, the BSU senior associate athletic director, called a senior staff meeting to discuss a Japanese visit in May 2025, and asked for help, all eyes in the room turned toward Shimada. —Shaun Goodwin june 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026

Colman Domingo put an athletic spin on men’s loafers on Monday, pairing a red-toned ruched pair with white athletic socks while out in New York City. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

Adding a healthy twist to the magical premise, powers in Dragon Striker are meant to be employed for athletic means. —Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026

The conversation about alternates actually dates back to before Jennifer Cohen took over as athletic director. —Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

see athlete

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing athletic

• athletic supporter
• athletic trainer

Rhymes for athletic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic
• hermetic

Kids Definition

athletic

adjective

ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈlet-ik 

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 

adverb

athleticism

ath-ˈlet-ə-ˌsi-zəm

noun

Medical Definition

athletic

adjective

ath·​let·​ic ath-ˈlet-ik 

: characterized by heavy frame, large chest, and powerful muscular development : mesomorphic