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Webster 1913 Edition


Athlete

Ath′lete

,
Noun.
[L.
athleta
, Gr. [GREEK] prizefighter, fr. [GREEK] to contend for a prize, [GREEK], Hom. [GREEK], contest, [GREEK] prize; fr. the same root as E.
wed
: cf. F.
athlète
.]
1.
(Antiq.)
One who contended for a prize in the public games of ancient Greece or Rome.
2.
Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion.
3.
One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests;
as,
athletes
of debate
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Athlete

ATHLE'TE

,
Noun.
[See Athletic.] A contender for victory.

Definition 2024


athlete

athlete

See also: athlète

English

An athlete

Noun

athlete (plural athletes)

  1. A participant in a group of sporting activities which includes track and field, road running, cross country running and racewalking.
    • 2013 March 1, David S. Senchina, “Athletics and Herbal Supplements”, in American Scientist, volume 101, number 2, page 134:
      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.
    She's the first athlete in her sport to obtain a corporate sponsor.
  2. (US, Canada) A person who actively participates in physical sports, especially with great skill; a sportsperson.
  3. An exceptionally physically fit person.

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