Athlete
/ˈæθ.liːt/noun
A person who trains for and competes in physical sports or contests.
Did you know?In many ancient Greek competitions, athletes competed nude, partly to display physical excellence and prevent clothing-based cheating.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἆθλον (athlon)
“A contest, competition, or prize awarded for victory”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀθλητής (athlētēs)
“A contestant or person competing for a prize”
4th Century BCE
Greek
athlētēs
“An athletic competitor, especially in public games”
1st Century BCE–1st Century CE
Latin
athleta
“An athlete or professional competitor”
15th Century
French
athlète
“An athlete or champion in physical contests”
16th Century
English
athlete
“A competitor trained in physical exercises or sports”
Modern English
English
athlete
“A person who competes in sports or other physical contests”
Explore more surprising origins