sportsmanship

noun

sports·​man·​ship ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌship 

: conduct (such as fairness, respect for one's opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport

Examples of sportsmanship in a Sentence

He's a great player who's also admired for his sportsmanship.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fraser-Pryce is also known for her positive and radiating sportsmanship. —Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Kings captain Anze Kopitar won the Lady Byng for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct for a third time. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025

But the incident not only demonstrated the player's sportsmanship, but also revealed that even a veteran like Rose can have gaps in his knowledge of golf rules. —Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 June 2025

Massachusetts’ youth soccer association has instituted a pregame handshake line for the players before each game, and has also mandated a sportsmanship statement, read by a representative of the home team to all coaches, players and spectators. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 21 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sportsmanship

• authorship
• battleship
• censorship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip

Kids Definition

sportsmanship

noun

sports·​man·​ship ˈspō(ə)rt-smən-ˌship 

ˈspȯ(ə)rt-

: fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing