Paralympics

plural noun

Para·​lym·​pics ˌper-ə-ˈlim-piks 

ˌpa-rə-

: a series of international contests for athletes with disabilities that are associated with and held following the summer and winter Olympic Games

called also Paralympic Games

Paralympian

ˌper-ə-ˈlim-pē-ən 

ˌpa-rə-

noun

Paralympic

ˌper-ə-ˈlim-pik 

ˌpa-rə-

adjective

Examples of Paralympics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysis Harry is preparing to host the Invictus Games, his Paralympics-style tournament for the military community, in Birmingham, England, in July 2027, making his relationship with the British military particularly important in the run up. — Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Nov. 2026

Aaryan and Khan previously worked together on Chandu Champion, which was about India‘s first Paralympics gold medalist, Murlikant Petkar. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 4 Nov. 2026

The Olympics and Paralympics will be centered on the state capital, Brisbane, but cities across the state, including the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, will host competitions. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026

Evans is now the chief athlete officer for the 2028 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Los Angeles. — Ken Sugiura, AJC.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

para(plegic) + (O)lympics, later interpreted as para- entry 1 in sense "alongside of" + (O)lympics

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for Paralympics

• olympics