Definition of 'athletic'

Word Frequency

athletic

(æθletɪk )

1. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Athletic means relating to athletes and athletics.

They have been given college scholarships purely on athletic ability.

Most athletic activities are about individual effort.

Synonyms: sporting, games, sports, competitive More Synonyms of athletic

athletically (æθletɪkli ) adverb [usually ADVERB adjective]

...she's academically able and athletically outstanding.

2. adjective

An athletic person is fit, and able to perform energetic movements easily.

Xandra is an athletic 36-year-old with a 21-year-old's body.

He was tall, with an athletic build.

Synonyms: fit, strong, powerful, healthy More Synonyms of athletic

athletically graded adverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]

He jumped athletically out of the car.

Video: pronunciation of 'athletic'

Word Frequency

athletic in British

(æθˈlɛtɪk )

adjective

physically fit or strong; muscular or active

of, relating to, or suitable for an athlete or for athletics

of or relating to a person with a muscular and well-proportioned body

athletic in American

(æθˈlɛtɪk ; at hletˈik)

adjective

of, like, or proper to athletes or athletics

physically strong, fit, skillful, active, etc.

3. Obsolete

mesomorphic (sense 2)

Derived forms

athletically (athˈletically)

adverb

Example sentences containing 'athletic'

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Athletic and strong in contact, he has great feet at the line and gives quality offloads. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Has her supremely athletic body affected her shape? Times, Sunday Times (2006)Yet it was the discovery of my athletic ability that allowed me to flourish. Times, Sunday Times (2008)The strongest and most athletic players were dominant and skill and subtlety remained defiantly absent. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Such longevity is unusual in these positions because of the need for explosive athletic ability. Times, Sunday Times (2015)It takes a lot of athletic ability and there have been serious injuries. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Talk about a gripping athletic spectacle. Times, Sunday Times (2011)They are more athletic and muscular. The Sun (2010)The women were strong and athletic. The Sun (2014)They forwards are usually bigger, taller and very athletic. The Sun (2012)They were the more energetic, athletic team. The Sun (2006)She was tall and skinny, but her body was athletic. Times, Sunday Times (2008)He is quick, strong in the tackle and about as athletic as anyone playing the game. Times, Sunday Times (2007)It's deceptively muscular and surprisingly athletic. Times, Sunday Times (2011) Tall and athletic, he was encouraged in sports but found the team culture too regimented. Times, Sunday Times (2015)That he then qualified for the semi-final was one of the great athletic performances of the whole meeting. Times, Sunday Times (2012)I like being athletic and fit. The Sun (2014)One might wonder how our experience in athletic performance improvement can help a Formula One pit crew. Times, Sunday Times (2012)An athletic body was withering away, losing 3½ stone in three weeks. Times, Sunday Times (2010)She's got an amazing athletic body, but for dancing you need to soften it and lose that muscular look. The Sun (2006)