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

Products like a $40 toaster could increase to $52, while a pair of athletic sneakers may jump from $90 to $116. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Those half-dozen years of club control, at less-than-free-market salaries, act as a slight disincentive to sign free agents who might be approaching or already past their athletic peaks at around age 30. —David K. Li, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Still only 25, Lenoir is physical enough at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds to mix it up with linebackers and athletic enough to cover the NFL’s top receivers. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024

As the ladies start filing into Sai’s dodgeball event in a various states of athletic dress, Brynn decides to spill the beans and tells Sai … and Jenna … and Racquel … and Ubah. —Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 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