athletics

noun

ath·​let·​ics ath-ˈle-tiks How to pronounce athletics (audio)
nonstandard
ˌa-thə-ˈle- How to pronounce athletics (audio)
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
1
: exercises, sports, or games engaged in by athletes
2
: the practice or principles of athletic activities

Examples of athletics in a Sentence

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.
Sports fans, commentators and even athletics directors are openly debating the feasibility of whether college athletes could organize and collectively bargain in the future. Karen Weaver, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 According to East Central University's athletics website, he was selected for the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl in Dallas, recorded 1,036 all-purpose yards and had eight touchdowns in his senior season. Jordana Comiter, Peoplemag, 26 July 2024 Holland later went on to a long coaching career at Virginia and then as athletics director at Davidson, Virginia and East Carolina. Steve Lyttle, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2024 What is an athletics program without a lot of cash? Sportsday Staff, Dallas News, 30 Aug. 2023 See all Example Sentences for athletics 

Word History

First Known Use

1738, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of athletics was in 1738

Dictionary Entries Near athletics

Cite this Entry

“Athletics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athletics. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

athletics

singular or plural noun
ath·​let·​ics ath-ˈlet-iks How to pronounce athletics (audio)
: games, sports, and exercises requiring strength and skill
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!