athlete

From Ancient Greek ἀθλητής (athlētḗs), from ἀθλέω (athléō, “compete for a prize”), from ἆθλον (âthlon, “prize”) or ἆθλος (âthlos, “competition”).

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈæθ.liːt/
• (General American, Canada) IPA^(key): /ˈæθ.lit/
• (proscribed) IPA^(key): /ˈæθ.ə.liːt/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

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.

• sportsperson

• -athlon

• elateth