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

Cease's sportsmanship highlights Schlittler's impressive emergence, though Schlittler's availability might depend on his regular season schedule. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Sorenson, a unified partner, received the Spirit of Unified Sports Award for demonstrating sportsmanship, inclusion and the spirit of teamwork in the Special Olympic games. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026

Remarkably, in a game defined by the South American team’s lack of sportsmanship, this became the first World Cup game in which a Paraguay player did not receive a yellow card since 1998. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

The All-England Club Lawn Tennis Club emphasizes good sportsmanship and respect for everyone involved in the Grand Slam. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 30 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