Search Dictionary
Definition of athleticism

athleticism

/æθˈlɛt.ɪ.sɪ.zəm/
ath · let · i · cism
Adverb:athletically
•
Adjective:athletic
JUMP TO:

athleticism Lexical Profile

athleticism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The physical qualities characteristic of an athlete, such as strength, fitness, agility, and coordination.

Example

"The gymnast's remarkable athleticism allowed her to execute the complex routine effortlessly."

2

Active participation in, or intense devotion to, physical sports and athletic exercises.

Example

"During the late nineteenth century, nineteenth-century boarding schools strongly promoted athleticism to build character among students."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for athleticism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for athleticism

• Rhymes for athleticism

• Nearby Words

athlete
athletic
athletically
athleticism
athletics
athos
atishoo

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from 'athletic' and the suffix '-ism', ultimately tracing back to the Ancient Greek 'athletes' (a contestant in the games), from 'athlon' (a prize).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Athleticism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/athleticism
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.