# olympian

/oʊˈɫɪmpiən/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

an athlete who competes in the Olympic Games. You use this to describe someone who has reached the highest level of international sports competition.

For teachers: a competitor in the Olympic Games. In classical contexts, refers to one of the twelve major deities of the Greek pantheon who resided on Mount Olympus.

## Examples

- The retired Olympian now coaches young swimmers at the local pool.
- After years of intense training and local victories, she finally achieved her dream of becoming an Olympian in the marathon.
- The documentary explores the immense psychological pressure placed on every Olympian, highlighting how the four-year wait for a single race can define an entire career.

## Usage notes

- When referring to the Greek gods or the specific sporting title, it is typically capitalised.

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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.