| Olympic Games n. 1. a. (used with a pl. verb) A group of modern international athletic contests held as separate winter and summer competitions every four years in a different city. In 1994 the winter games were moved ahead two years so that the winter and summer games would alternate every two years. b. (used with a sing. verb) The set of contests that occur in one season: an Olympic Games that was boycotted by many countries. Also called Olympics. 2. (used with a pl. verb) A Pan-Hellenic festival in ancient Greece consisting of athletic games and contests of choral poetry and dance, first celebrated in 776 b.c. and held periodically until a.d. 393 on the plain of Olympia in honor of the Olympian Zeus. Also called Olympian Games. |
Olympic Games
n (functioning as singular or plural)
1. (Historical Terms) the greatest Panhellenic festival, held every fourth year in honour of Zeus at ancient Olympia. From 472 bc, it consisted of five days of games, sacrifices, and festivities
2. (General Sporting Terms) Also called the Olympics the modern revival of these games, consisting of international athletic and sporting contests held every four years in a selected country since their inception in Athens in 1896 See also Winter Olympic Games
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  Olympic Games - the modern revival of the ancient games held once every 4 years in a selected countryWinter Olympic Games, Winter Olympics - an Olympics for winter sports |
| 2. | Olympic Games - the ancient Panhellenic celebration at Olympia in honor of Zeus; held every 4 years beginning in 776 BC agon - a festivity in ancient Greece at which competitors contended for prizes |
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