Olympics

/əˈlɪmpɪks/
international multi-sport event

The Summer Olympics are held every four years.

This refers to the quadrennial global sporting event.


formal

A major international sporting event featuring athletes from around the world competing in various sports

The Winter Olympics showcase winter sports like skiing and ice hockey.

This highlights the specific focus of the Winter Games.

The Olympics promote global unity through athletic competition.

This reflects the event's broader cultural and diplomatic significance.

The modern Olympics began in 1896, reviving the ancient Greek tradition.

Collocations

Olympic Gamesthe formal name of the eventOlympic ringsthe five interlocking rings symbolizing the continentsOlympic torchthe flame carried in the relay before the Games

Related Phrases

go for the goldphrase
to strive for the highest achievement
Olympic spiritphrase
the ideals of fair play and international unity

Pro Tip

Capitalization

Always capitalize 'Olympics' as it refers to a specific event.

Summer vs. Winter

The Olympics alternate between Summer and Winter Games every two years.

Gold Rule

Proper Noun

The Olympics is always capitalized as it refers to a specific event.

Word Origin

From the Greek 'Olympia', the site of the ancient Olympic Games held in honor of Zeus

Usage Notes

Capitalized as a proper noun. Often shortened to 'the Games' in informal contexts.

Word Breakdown

Olymp
referring to Mount Olympus in Greek mythology
root
+
-ics
a suffix indicating a series or collection
suffix
English Dictionary