First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1sport
verb \ˈspȯrt\
: to wear (something) in a way that attracts attention
: to play in a happy and lively way
Full Definition of SPORT
intransitive verb
1
a : to amuse oneself : frolic <lambs sporting in the meadow> b : to engage in a sport
2
a : to mock or ridicule something b : to speak or act in jest : trifle
3
[2sport] : to deviate or vary abruptly from type (as by bud variation) : mutate
transitive verb
1
: to display or wear usually ostentatiously : boast <sporting expensive new shoes>
2
[2sport] : to put forth as a sport or bud variation
See sport defined for English-language learners
See sport defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPORT
Middle English, to divert, disport, short for disporten
2sport
noun
: a contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other
: sports in general
: a physical activity (such as hunting, fishing, running, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment
Full Definition of SPORT
1
a : a source of diversion : recreation b : sexual play c (1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
2
a : pleasantry, jest b : often mean-spirited jesting : mockery, derision
3
a : something tossed or driven about in or as if in play b : laughingstock
4
a : sportsman b : a person considered with respect to living up to the ideals of sportsmanship <a good sport> <a poor sport> c : a companionable person
5
: an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue
See sport defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SPORT
15th century
Related to SPORT
- Synonyms
- dalliance, frolic, frolicking, fun, fun and games, recreation, relaxation, rollicking, play
- Antonyms
- earnest
Synonym Discussion of SPORT
fun, jest, sport, game, play mean action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter. fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose <played cards just for fun>. jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing <hurt by remarks said only in jest>. sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone <teasing begun in sport led to anger>. game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun <made game of their poor relations>. play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief <pretended to strangle his brother in play>.
3sport
adjective
: done for enjoyment rather than as a job or for food for survival
: participating in an activity (such as hunting or fishing) for enjoyment rather than as a job or for food for survival
Full Definition of SPORT
: of, relating to, or suitable for sports; especially : styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear <sport coats>
See sport defined for English-language learners
Variants of SPORT
sport or sports
First Known Use of SPORT
1582
SPORTS Defined for Kids
1sport
noun \ˈspȯrt\
Definition of SPORT for Kids
1
: physical activity (as running or an athletic game) engaged in for pleasure or exercise <Skating is my favorite sport.>
2
: a person who shows good sportsmanship <He's a sport and doesn't mind losing.> <Don't be a bad sport.>
3
4
: 1fun 3 <He made sport of their embarrassment.>
2sport
verb
sport·edsport·ing
Definition of SPORT for Kids
: to wear in a way that attracts attention <He sported new sneakers.>
Medical Dictionary
sport
noun \ˈspō(ə)rt, ˈspȯ(ə)rt\
Medical Definition of SPORT
: an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue
Learn More About SPORT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: sportabilityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: sporranAll Words Near: sport
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sport? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).