What does olympiad mean?
An olympiad is a prestigious competition in which participants, often representing different countries, demonstrate their knowledge or skill in a particular subject. The term is particularly common for mathematics, science, informatics, and chess competitions, as in the International Mathematical Olympiad. It can also be used more broadly for a major contest involving international participants. Historically, an Olympiad was a period of four years in ancient Greece, counted from the beginning of one Olympic Games to the beginning of the next. This older sense is mostly historical, while the modern meaning is strongly associated with academic and intellectual competitions. The word lends itself to the idea of excellence under pressure, because many olympiads function as national selection contests or as part of a broader international competition structure.
nounA competition involving participants from different countries, especially one in a field such as mathematics, science, or chess. In historical usage, an Olympiad is also a period of four years, traditionally measured from one ancient Olympic Games to the next.
- A competition in which participants, often representing different countries, compete in an academic, scientific, or other specialized subject.
- Historically, a period of four years, especially in the ancient Greek system of dating events.
"She won a place on the national team after competing in the international mathematics olympiad."
"The national olympiad is used to select students for the international mathematics competition."
"The fourth year of the ancient Greek olympiad was marked by preparations for the Olympic Games."
Used when referring to multiple competitions, whether different events or separate editions of the same competition.
"She has participated in regional and international mathematics olympiads."
The word olympiad began as a calendar: ancient Greeks counted time in four-year periods, each beginning with the Olympic Games.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does olympiad come from?
The English word comes through Latin from the ancient Greek Olympiadē, a term associated with Olympia and the Olympic Games. In ancient Greek chronology, an Olympiad was a four-year period, originally named for the festival held at Olympia. Modern educational and scientific competitions adopted the name because they are often international in scope and involve participants who have qualified through national or local contests.
Related word forms
How olympiad is actually used
The word is formal and is especially common in academic, scientific, mathematical, and chess contexts. In the historical sense, it refers to a four-year period rather than a modern competition.
Easily confused with olympiad
An olympiad is a particular competition, whereas the Olympics denotes the major international sporting event and its associated Games.