noun
athletics
ath-LEH-tihks
noun
1
Track and field sports such as running, jumping, and throwing.
"She represented her country in athletics at the Olympics."
2
Physical sports and games in general, especially as a school or organized activity.
"The university invests heavily in its athletics programs."
How to Use Athletics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTrack and field events, or organized sport more broadly (especially in American English).
UK vs US
In British English, "athletics" usually means track and field specifically; American English uses "athletics" more broadly for school sports in general.
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She represented her country in _____ at the Olympics.
Etymology
From athletic, formed with the suffix -ics on the model of words like "gymnastics."