athletics
/æθˈlɛtɪks/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A group of sporting activities including track and field, road running, cross country and racewalking.
NounRegister: UK
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Physical activities such as sports and games requiring stamina, fitness and skill.
NounRegister: US
Examples
The University of Phoenix, a for-profit educational institution, has turned the traditional relationship between athletics and higher education on its head, reducing it to its commercially exploitive essence.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “athletics” mean?
A group of sporting activities including track and field, road running, cross country and racewalking.
Is “athletics” formal or informal?
athletics is generally UK.