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

The Mavs Academy Hoop Camp focuses on young players, ages six through 18, developing basketball techniques and learning the importance of sportsmanship from Mavs Academy coaches. —Lawrence Dow july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025

The recipient of the team sportsmanship award, Gill will attend the University of Michigan with plans on majoring in biology on the premed track. —Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025

Even here, in an election with no clause for character, integrity and sportsmanship, Bonds couldn’t amass three-quarters of the vote. —Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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