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

Billups won the Joe Dumars Trophy, the NBA’s sportsmanship award, in 2009 while playing for his hometown Nuggets. —Alanna Durkin Richer, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025

Billups won the Joe Dumars Trophy, the NBA’s sportsmanship award, in 2009 while playing for his hometown Denver Nuggets. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025

The Ryder Cup, typically a showcase of sportsmanship and national pride, was won by Team Europe 15-13. —Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

So, yes, sportsmanship and ejections are a major concern. —John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Oct. 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