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 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 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'athletics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

athletics

noun singular or plural
ath·​let·​ics ath-ˈlet-iks How to pronounce athletics (audio)
: games, sports, and exercises requiring strength and skill
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