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Origin and history of athlete

athlete(n.)

early 15c. (Chauliac), "competitor in athletic games and contests," from Latin athleta "a wrestler, athlete, combatant in public games," from Greek athlētēs "prizefighter, contestant in the games," agent noun from athlein "to contest for a prize." This is from athlos "a contest," especially for a prize (its neuter form, athlon, meant "the prize of a contest"), a word of unknown origin.

Until mid-18c. it was usually in English in Latin form. Old English had plegmann "play-man." The meaning "one trained in exercises of agility and strength" is by 1827. Athlete's foot is recorded by 1928, for an ailment that has been around much longer.

also from early 15c.

Entries linking to athlete

athletic(adj.)

1630s (athletical is from 1590s), "pertaining to an athlete or to contests of physical strength," from Latin athleticus, from Greek athletikos, from athlētēs "contestant in the games" (see athlete). The meaning "strong of body; vigorous; lusty; robust" [as defined by Johnson, who spells it athletick] is from 1650s.

triathlete(n.)

by 1983; see triathlon + athlete.

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