sportswoman
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /spˈɔːtswʊmən/
US
- /spˈɔːrtswʊmən/
Description
- female athlete
- woman in sport
- female competitor
A sportswoman is a woman or girl who takes part in sports, especially one who does so seriously or well. The word is often used when talking about training, matches, wins, records, or a career in sport. You might read about a young tennis player, a runner, or an Olympic champion and call her a sportswoman. The term points to her role in sport, and it can also carry a tone of respect for her effort and achievement.
The word "sportswoman" refers to a woman or girl who takes part in sports. In many cases, it suggests someone who is active, trained, or competitive in her sport, but the basic meaning is simply a female athlete or participant in sport. It can be used for professionals, amateurs, and rising young players, depending on the context.
You might see the word in news stories, biographies, interviews, or older writing about games and competitions. For example, a report may describe a golfer, runner, swimmer, or football player as a sportswoman after an impressive performance or a long career. The word often appears when the writer wants to highlight that the person is a woman in sport, especially in contexts that celebrate success or commitment.
Today, some people prefer the more general word "athlete," because it works for everyone and sounds more modern. Even so, "sportswoman" is still clear and correct, especially when the female identity of the athlete matters in the sentence. It is not limited to world-famous champions, and it does not mainly mean someone with good sportsmanship. Most of the time, it simply means a woman who plays or competes in sport.
Overall, "sportswoman" is a respectful, clear word for a female athlete. It fits many kinds of sporting life, from local competition to international events, and it helps tell the story of women taking part in sport with energy, skill, and commitment.
Examples
- 1
Training
As a young sportswoman, she trained before school every morning.
Usage
sportswoman is often used in British English; athlete is more common in American English
- 2
Award
She was named Sportswoman of the Year after winning two gold medals.
- 3
Equal pay
Several leading sportswomen have spoken openly about equal pay in sport.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sportswomannoun
Forms
- sportswomenpluralnoun