sport
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɔːt/
US
- /ˈspɔrt/
Description
- game
- athletic activity
- contest
"Sport" is not just about winning medals. It usually means a game or physical activity that needs skill and follows rules, often played for fun or in competition. Think of football, tennis, swimming, or basketball. In everyday English, "He enjoys outdoor sports" means he likes active games and activities, while "The Olympics are a global sporting event" points to organized competition. The word also appears in expressions about behavior: a "sporting gesture" is something fair and generous.
The word "sport" usually refers to a game or physical activity that involves skill, rules, and often competition. It can describe both the activity itself and the world around it, from local games to major international events.
You might say someone plays a sport like tennis or soccer, showing active participation. But you can also watch sports on television, enjoying the contest and excitement. The term is not limited to team games either; individual activities like running, swimming, and cycling are also sports.
The word can also be used in a more figurative way. A "good sport" is someone who stays cheerful and fair, especially after losing or being teased. Saying, "He was a good sport about it," means he did not get angry or take offense. The adjective "sporting" often suggests fairness and generosity; a "sporting gesture" is one made in the spirit of fair play.
Historically, "sport" could also mean amusement or entertainment more generally. That older use is less common now, but the idea of enjoyable activity still sits in the background of the modern meaning.
So whether it is a casual game, a serious competition, or part of an expression like "good sport," the word usually brings together skill, effort, enjoyment, and fair play.
Examples
- 1
Childhood preference
Soccer was the only sport I liked as a child.
- 2
New activity
She took up a new sport after moving near the mountains.
Pattern
take up + sport/activity
start doing it regularly
- 3
Individual sport
Running is an individual sport, but she still trains with a group.
- 4
Children's play
The kids play sports in the park every weekend.
- 5
Professional sport
There is still a big pay gap in professional sport.
Phrase
in sport
in the world of sports
- 6
Water sports
The island is famous for water sports like surfing and diving.
- 7
Losing gracefully
He was a good sport about losing the game.
Phrase
be a good sport
accept an awkward or unfair situation without complaining
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sportnounverb
Forms
- sportspluralnounverb
- sporting-ing formverbnoun
- sportedpast tenseverbnoun