sportsmanship

noun

sports·​man·​ship ˈspȯrts-mən-ˌship How to pronounce sportsmanship (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Payne Stewart Award is given to recognize the honoree's character, sportsmanship, and commitment to charitable giving. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025 Presented annually by Southern Company, the honor recognizes a player whose career reflects Stewart’s legacy of character, sportsmanship, and generosity of spirit. Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025 The Mavs Academy Hoop Camp focuses on young players, ages six through 18, developing basketball techniques and learning the importance of sportsmanship from Mavs Academy coaches. Lawrence Dow july 2, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025 The recipient of the team sportsmanship award, Gill will attend the University of Michigan with plans on majoring in biology on the premed track. Danny Ventura, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sportsmanship

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sportsmanship was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sportsmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportsmanship. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

sportsmanship

noun
sports·​man·​ship ˈspō(ə)rt-smən-ˌship How to pronounce sportsmanship (audio)
ˈspȯ(ə)rt-
: fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing

More from Merriam-Webster on sportsmanship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!