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

They’re projected to start the Miyatake and Muller twins with athletic forward Ellie Frazier. 9. —Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024

When taken in one-time doses for athletic performance and recovery benefits, taurine is usually taken 1-3 hours before exercise. —Jillian Kubala, Rd, Health, 5 Nov. 2024

Voted one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Men of 2020, Mr. Kornacki is strict to his sartorial choices: A diagonal striped necktie, white Oxford collar, shirt sleeves rolled just below the elbow, khaki trousers, and athletic sneakers that are ready to run circles around a touchscreen. —Tanya Akim, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Of course, not every athletic experience is a positive one, and that’s why many girls quit sports. —Allison Torres Burtka, Parents, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see athlete

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing athletic

• athletic supporter
• athletic trainer

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