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

Huarte credits his parents Mark and Kelly, and his brother, for his sportsmanship. — Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 June 2026

There are also documentaries, such as Kids Cup, which can teach kids about sportsmanship and the weight of pressure in sports. — Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 10 June 2026

The same Draymond Green who has spent much of his career blurring the line between basketball and mixed martial arts is now handing out lessons on sportsmanship. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026

Journalists are critical to weaving together a public narrative that conveys the magic of the games, the beauty of teamwork, and the skill of sportsmanship. — Gypsy Guillén Kaiser, Fortune, 23 June 2026

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