Olympic
/əˈlɪm.pɪk/noun
Relating to Mount Olympus, the ancient Olympic Games, or the modern international sporting competition.
Did you know?The ancient Olympic Games were dedicated to Zeus, and an official sacred truce was proclaimed so athletes could travel safely to Olympia.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὄλυμπος (Ólympos)
“Mount Olympus, the mythic home of the Greek gods; the name’s deeper origin is uncertain and likely pre-Greek.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὀλυμπικός (Olympikós)
“Of or relating to Olympus or Olympia.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ὀλυμπιακός (Olympiakós)
“Relating specifically to Olympia or its games.”
Latin
Latin
Olympicus
“Of Olympus or the Olympic Games.”
16th Century
English
olympic
“Relating to Olympus or the ancient games; later applied to organized international athletic competition.”
Modern English
English
Olympic
“Relating to the modern Olympic Games or their ideals and institutions.”