# athlete

/ˈæθˌɫit/ (US) · /ˈæθliːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/athlete
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a sportsperson

noun · CEFR A2

a person who plays sports, especially one who is very skilled or competes professionally.

For teachers: a person who actively participates in physical sports, often characterized by high levels of skill and competitive engagement.

- The young athlete spent every morning training at the local swimming pool.
- Professional athletes often follow strict dietary and recovery protocols to maintain peak performance throughout the competitive season.

### 2. track and field competitor

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

someone who competes in running, jumping, or throwing events.

For teachers: a participant in track and field events, such as sprinting, long jump, or shot put.

- The Olympic athlete won a gold medal in the hundred-metre sprint.
- The decathlon requires an athlete to demonstrate versatility across ten distinct track and field disciplines over two days.

Usage: In British English, 'athlete' specifically refers to track and field competitors rather than all sportspeople.

Teaching tip: Note the regional difference: in the US, a basketball player is an athlete, but in the UK, they are usually just called a player.

### 3. a physically fit person

noun · CEFR B2

a person who is very strong, healthy, and good at physical activities.

For teachers: an individual possessing exceptional physical fitness, strength, or agility, regardless of professional status.

- Even though he doesn't play for a team, he is a natural athlete who excels at any sport he tries.
- She was a natural athlete, possessing the kind of innate coordination and stamina that made difficult physical tasks look effortless.

## Examples

- The young athlete trains every morning before school starts.
- To become a professional athlete, you must commit to a strict diet and a rigorous daily exercise routine.
- While natural talent provides a significant advantage, the most successful athletes are often those who possess the mental discipline to endure years of repetitive and exhausting training.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.