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.
Tony Crittendon, the assigner of football officials for the City Section, credited the improved sportsmanship to players, coaches and officials. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Teamwork and sportsmanship are woven into the club’s Respect Rules and overall culture. — Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Presented annually by Southern Company, the Payne Stewart Award honors a player whose impact on and off the course exemplifies Stewart’s enduring values of character, sportsmanship, and generosity. — Mike Dojc, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026 The debates over sportsmanship, race, and media privilege that ignited during the LSU game carried over into the new season. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026 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

Rhymes for sportsmanship

See All Rhymes for sportsmanship

Browse Nearby Words

sportsmanly
sportsmanship
sports medicine
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sportsmanship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sportsmanship. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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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
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