athlete Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a person trained to compete in sports
    jock.

WordNet

Ath"lete noun
Etymology
L. athleta, Gr. prizefighter, fr. to contend for a prize, , Hom. , contest, prize; fr. the same root as E. wed: cf. F. athlète.
Definitions
  1. (Antiq.) One who contended for a prize in the public games of ancient Greece or Rome.
  2. Any one trained to contend in exercises requiring great physical agility and strength; one who has great activity and strength; a champion.
  3. One fitted for, or skilled in, intellectual contests; as, athletes of debate.

Webster 1913