sport
sport Lexical Profile
sport Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
"She excels at every sport she tries, from basketball to competitive swimming."
A person who behaves in a good or specified way in response to teasing, defeat, or a trying situation.
"Despite losing the championship match, he was a good sport and shook his opponent's hand."
An animal or plant that shows a striking, usually heritable deviation from the normal type; a mutation.
"The unique pink blossom on the otherwise red rose bush was identified as a natural sport."
• verb
To wear or display a distinctive item (such as clothing, an accessory, or a physical feature) conspicuously or proudly.
"The leading actor arrived at the premiere sporting a brightly colored velvet jacket."
To amuse oneself or play in a lively, energetic way.
"A pod of dolphins could be seen sporting in the gentle waves near the shoreline."
Word Nuance & Usage
When used attributively to describe clothing or equipment, American English frequently uses 'sport' (e.g., sport coat), whereas British English strictly prefers 'sports' (e.g., sports jacket).
• Rhymes for sport
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late Middle English: a shortening of 'disport', from Old French 'desport' (pastime, recreation), derived from the verb 'desporter' (to divert).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.