# Nike

/ˈnaɪki/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nike
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. sports brand

noun · CEFR A2

a popular brand of athletic shoes and sports clothing.

For teachers: a global corporation that designs and manufactures athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment.

- He bought a new pair of Nikes for his marathon training.
- The athlete signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, ensuring his image would be central to their upcoming global marketing campaign.

### 2. Greek goddess

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

the ancient Greek goddess of victory.

For teachers: the personification of victory in Greek mythology, often depicted as a winged figure.

- The statue of Nike at the museum was missing its head and arms.
- In classical art, Nike is frequently portrayed alongside Athena, symbolising the triumphant outcome of a righteous struggle.

### 3. asteroid

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a large rock in space that orbits the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

For teachers: a main-belt asteroid discovered in 1891, named after the Greek goddess of victory.

- Astronomers used a telescope to track the movement of Nike through the sky.
- The orbital characteristics of 307 Nike were first calculated shortly after its discovery in the late nineteenth century.

## Examples

- The statue of Nike stands in the museum.
- Ancient athletes often offered sacrifices to Nike in hopes of achieving glory during the games.
- The Winged Victory of Samothrace remains one of the most celebrated Hellenistic depictions of Nike, capturing the goddess as she descends toward a naval vessel.

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