sportsman

noun

sports·​man ˈspȯrts-mən 

1

: a person who engages in sports (such as hunting or fishing)

2

: a person who shows sportsmanship

sportsmanlike

ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌlīk 

adjective

sportsmanly

ˈspȯrts-mən-lē 

adjective

Examples of sportsman in a Sentence

He was a keen sportsman all his life.

Recent Examples on the Web

Fellow sportsman Jannik Sinner hoisted the Wimbledon trophy with his go-to Rolex Daytona on his wrist. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 July 2026

The campaign’s long-game strategy is the red flag for the agricultural industry and for sportsmen. — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

Here is a film where fascists literally organize a soccer game for propaganda purposes, hoping to stage a sportsman-like event that will soften the public perception of their brutal regime. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

In 1915, Michigan sportsmen did the same, starting with just seven elk. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sportsman

• sportsmen

Kids Definition

sportsman

noun

sports·​man ˈspō(ə)rt-smən 

ˈspȯ(ə)rt-

1

: a person who engages in or is interested in sports and especially outdoor sports

2

: sport entry 2 sense 3

sportsmanlike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

sportsmanly

-lē 

adjective