athleticism

noun

ath·​let·​i·​cism ath-ˈle-tə-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce athleticism (audio)
: athletic ability : the combination of qualities (such as speed, strength, and agility) that are characteristic of an athlete
These days they do standing backflips and other moves that require a high degree of athleticism—and endless practice.—Cathy Booth Thomas

Examples of athleticism in a Sentence

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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Combining Thompson’s relentless activity and explosive athleticism with the veteran savvy provided by VanVleet, Smart and Kevin Durant will be Houston’s best path to title contention. — William Guillory, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Even rivals like Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula are publicly praising her rising influence on tennis, her athleticism, talent and star status. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 The team soon saw that Canyon had the confidence, athleticism, and drive needed for urban search and rescue. — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026 Nor is Gadot a performer inclined to lend much more than athleticism to a role that could use some warmth and idiosyncrasy to color its rather generic action-hero gist. — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for athleticism

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of athleticism was circa 1835

Rhymes for athleticism

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Browse Nearby Words

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athleticism
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Cite this Entry

“Athleticism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/athleticism. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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