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

For a player already ejected for fighting under Olympic rules emphasizing sportsmanship, the moment drew widespread criticism. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Feb. 2026

Fortunately for Malinin, a few thousand followers praised him in the Instagram post for his sportsmanship and for being open about his mental health issues. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

Malinin was quick to congratulate Shaidorov on his victory, which many fans and pundits took notice of, praising his sportsmanship. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Feb. 2026

At the evening’s awards ceremony, Escobar is one of two wrestlers singled out for a sportsmanship award. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 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