See also: Athletics

English

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Pronunciation

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Etymology 1

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From athletic: see -ics. Probably formed on the model of gymnastics.[1]

Noun

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athletics pl (plural only)

  1. (sports, especially British) A group of sporting activities including track and field, road running, cross country and racewalking.
  2. (sports, especially US) Physical activities such as sports and games requiring stamina, fitness and skill.
    • 2009 January 17, William C. Rhoden, “University Sells Itself During Playoffs”, in The New York Times[1]:
      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.
Derived terms
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Translations
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Etymology 2

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From athletic +‎ -s.

Noun

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athletics

  1. plural of athletic

References

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  1. ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2025) “athletics (n.)”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.