The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines an athlete as “a person who is proficient in sports and other forms of physical exercise.” But that definition is broad. An athlete can be talented in various sports at different ages and performance levels.

The noun athlete comes from the Greek word athletes, meaning “contestant in the games.” Anyone who competes in sporting competitions can be called an athlete, but usually the term is reserved for people with a high level of dedication, skill and fitness.

As a blanket term, jock can be considered synonymous with athlete. Jocks are usually presented as male practitioners of team sports such as American football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and ice hockey.