athlete
noun
ath·lete
ˈath-ˌlēt 
nonstandard
ˈa-thə-ˌlēt 1
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
2
: an animal (such as a horse or a dog) that competes in races or other sporting events or has qualities (such as stamina and agility) suggestive of a human athlete
Hospice working dogs were wiry, muscular, agile, yellowish-tan or brown athletes with unexaggerated heads …—
Deborah Lawson
Examples of athlete in a Sentence
Athletes from around the world will be competing at the Olympics.
She was quite an athlete as a child.
Recent Examples on the Web
The Olympic spotlight is expected to amplify flag football’s visibility and inspire millions of young athletes worldwide.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
This season, the group of 18 recruits includes television personalities, influencers and former professional athletes.
—Melina Khan, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Sitting in class next to a star athlete destined for Division I football, the future comedy mogul listened as his teacher publicly humiliated him in front of his peers.
—Essence, 2 Oct. 2025
Sadiq is one of the most unique athletes in the country.
—Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for athlete
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Cite this Entry
“Athlete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athlete. Accessed 5 Oct. 2025.
Kids Definition
athlete
noun
ath·lete
ˈath-ˌlēt
: a person who is trained in or good at games and exercises that require physical skill, endurance, and strength
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