Athlete

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈæθ.liːt/

Origin

From Ancient Greek ἀθλητής (athlētēs), from ἀθλέω (athlēō, "compete for a prize"), from ἆθλον (athlon, "prize") or ἆθλος (athlos, "competition").

Full definition of athlete

Noun

1. A participant in a group of sporting activities which includes track and field, road running, cross country running and racewalking.
• 2013-03, David S. Senchina, Athletics and Herbal Supplements, Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent.
2. She's the first athlete in her sport to come out as gay.
3. (US) A person who actively participates in physical sports, possibly highly skilled in sports. (Known in British English as a "sportsperson".)
4. An exceptionally physically fit person.

Synonyms

• sportsperson