Sports / B2

ATHL-eet/ˈæθliːt/

An athlete is a person who trains and competes in sport, especially running, jumping, and similar events. Sportsman / sportswoman are older gendered words; player is for team games (a football player). Athletic is the adjective (an athletic build). In British English athlete often suggests track and field, but news writing uses it more widely. In speech, runner or player is more specific.

Meaning

A person who is good at sports, especially in competitions.

Examples

• “The athlete trained every morning.”
• “The athlete credited her coach after the heat.”
• “School athletes had a separate training slot on Fridays.”

Good to know

Especially track and field, also sports competitors generally. Adjective: athletic. Everyday: runner / player (more specific).

Near in meaning

sportsperson

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