athlete
NounSynonyms:
jock
WordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- a person trained to compete in sportsSynonyms: jock
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Athlete \Ath"lete\, n. [L. athleta, Gr. ? prizefighter, fr. ? to contend for a prize, ?, Hom. ?, contest, ? prize; fr. the same root as E. wed: cf. F. athl[`e]te.]
1.(Antiq.) One who contended for a prize in the public games of ancient Greece or Rome. [1913 Webster]
2.Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion. [1913 Webster]
3.One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests; as, athletes of debate. [1913 Webster]