sportsman

The word "sportsman" most often means a man who takes part in sports. You might use it for someone who plays football, tennis, cricket, or another game regularly or seriously. In many contexts, it also carries the idea of fair play, so a sportsman is not only active in sport but also honest, respectful, and graceful in winning or losing.

The word has another use as well. In older or more traditional English, especially in British usage, a sportsman can be a man who hunts, fishes, or joins other outdoor sporting activities. In that sense, the focus is less on team games and more on outdoor sport and skill.

Because of these two main uses, the meaning depends on context. In one sentence, it may simply mean "an athletic man" or "a man who plays sports." In another, it may praise someone's behavior by suggesting fairness and good character. For example, you might say, "He was a fine sportsman in his youth and played county cricket," or, "He was a true sportsman and accepted the referee's decision without complaint."

Today, the word can sound a little old-fashioned or gender-specific, and many speakers may choose words like "athlete," "player," or "sportsperson" instead, depending on the situation. Still, "sportsman" remains a clear and useful word when the speaker means a man involved in sport, especially when there is also a sense of good sporting behavior.