Search Dictionary
Definition of sporting

sporting

/ˈspɔːr.tɪŋ/
sport · ing
Adverb:sportingly
JUMP TO:

sporting Lexical Profile

sporting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Relating to, connected with, or used in sports and athletic competitions.

Example

"The city hosted several major sporting events over the summer."

2

Fair, generous, and honorable in behavior or treatment of others, especially when competing or losing.

Example

"It was very sporting of the runner-up to congratulate the winner so warmly."

3

Offering a reasonable probability of success despite involving some risk or uncertainty (especially in the phrase 'a sporting chance').

Example

"With two weeks left to study, she still had a sporting chance of passing the exam."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sporting
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sporting

• Rhymes for sporting

• Nearby Words

sportcoat
sportfishing
sportiness
sporting
sportingly
sportsbook
sportscast

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'sport' plus the participial suffix '-ing'. The root 'sport' arose in Middle English as a shortening of 'disport' (meaning pastime or recreation), borrowed from Old French 'desporter' ('to divert, amuse'), ultimately from Latin 'deportare' ('to carry away').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sporting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sporting
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.