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

Another fan credited Lee with letting officials know, and his choice to display good sportsmanship will attract more fans. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Apr. 2025

The annual honor recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

Myers received Green Bay’s Ed Block Courage Award, which recognizes NFL players who best exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. —Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

This poor sportsmanship is documented in a preprint study from Palisade Research, an organization focused on risk assessments of emerging AI systems. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 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