sportspeople
Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɔːtspiːpəl/
US
- /spˈɔːrtspiːpəl/
Description
- Athletes
- Competitors
- Players
- people who play sports
"Sportspeople" is a word for people who take part in sports, from local players to Olympic champions. It can describe professionals and amateurs alike, with the focus on the people involved rather than only on results. You might read an article about famous sportspeople like Serena Williams or Lionel Messi and their training, effort, and achievements. The word is used more often in British English than in American English.
The term "sportspeople" refers to people who take part in sports. It can include top professional athletes, serious club players, and people who play at an amateur level for enjoyment or competition. It is a collective term that puts the focus on the people themselves, not only on their performance or results. The idea is wider than just winning. It also suggests training, discipline, effort, and fair play.
You might see "sportspeople" in news reports, interviews, or feature stories. A report might say that several sportspeople spoke about unfair rules, injuries, or the pressure of competition. In that kind of writing, the word helps describe a group of people connected by sport, whether they are famous or not. It often sounds a little broader and more personal than simply saying "athletes."
While "athlete" and "sportsman" or "sportswoman" are also common, "sportspeople" is more inclusive because it does not point to a specific gender. It is especially common in British English writing and speech. You might hear a sentence like, "The sportspeople competing today represent over 50 nations." In that example, the word brings together many different kinds of competitors under one simple, human-centered label.
Examples
- 1
Training
Many sportspeople train twice a day before a major competition.
- 2
School talk
The school invited local sportspeople to speak to the students about discipline and teamwork.
- 3
Injury recovery
Injured sportspeople often need mental support as well as physical treatment.
- 4
Career change
Some retired sportspeople go into coaching or television work.
Pattern
go into + field
start working in that field
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sportspeople