athlete

ath-lete · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A person who is proficient in sports and physical exercise.

  2. 2.

    A person who participates in track and field events.

Forms

plural: athletes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    athlete's foot — a fungal infection of the feet
  • •
    natural athlete — someone with innate athletic ability
  • •
    student athlete — a student who participates in school sports

Related words

See also: athletes, competition, sports
Synonyms: competitor, player, sportsman, sportswoman

Etymology

From Latin athleta, from Greek athletes ("contestant in the games"), from athlein ("to compete for a prize"), from athlon ("prize, contest").