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

The study makes clear that the $194 million figure encompasses the economic impact of the entire Sac State athletic program with football at the FBS level for one academic year. —Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026

Both schools have said their athletic programs plan to remain separate entities for now. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2026

But the undefeated Chaparrals' bid for a Class 6A Division II championship — and a perfect record — was taken away by a quick and athletic team from Lancaster High. —Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 8 Mar. 2026

The guys were always more athletic, stronger — everything than me. —Nick Friedell, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see athlete

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing athletic

• athletic supporter
• athletic trainer

Rhymes for athletic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic
• hermetic

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