athletics

ath·let·ics

noun plural but singular or plural in construction \ath-ˈle-tiks, ÷ˌa-thə-ˈle-\

Definition of ATHLETICS

1

: exercises, sports, or games engaged in by athletes

2

: the practice or principles of athletic activities

First Known Use of ATHLETICS

1749

Rhymes with ATHLETICS

genetics, phonetics, poetics

athletics

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

Variety of sport competitions held on a running track and on the adjacent field. It is the oldest form of organized sports, having been a part of the ancient Olympic Games from c. 776 BC to AD 393. Modern events include various sprint and middle- and long-distance races, relay races, hurdling, steeplechase, high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw, javelin throw, decathlon, pentathlon, and heptathlon. Cross-country running, marathons, and speed walking, which are rarely held on a track, are usually considered adjuncts of athletics. Events are held indoors and outdoors, and records are kept separately; some events are modified or eliminated for indoor competition.

Variants of ATHLETICS

athletics or track and field also track-and-field games