<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>athletic sports, as running, rowing, or boxing</li><li>track-and-field events</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(usually used with a plural verb) athletic sports, as running, rowing, or boxing</li><li>(usually used with a singular verb) the practice of athletic exercises; the principles of athletic training</li></ul>