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

Only one player has won the NHL’s top sportsmanship award more often this century. —Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026

Nwaiwu was the recipient of the Shrine Bowl Pat Tillman Award, which goes to the player that best exemplifies character, intelligence, sportsmanship and service. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2026

All participating student-athletes will meet the criteria for eligibility which aim to elevate standards of sportsmanship and encourage the growth of responsible citizenship for all involved. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The Masterton Trophy is awarded each season under the trusteeship of the PHWA to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. —Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 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