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.
Troy Vincent, the NFL executive vice president of football operations, told reporters Wednesday at the owners meetings in New York City that sportsmanship was a discussion item. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026 In 2025, Fisher was a finalist for both the Butkus Award, which honors the nation’s top linebacker, and the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, which recognizes a player’s leadership, integrity and sportsmanship off the field. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 Providing clear, consistent guidance allows players to express themselves while upholding the principles of sportsmanship that have long been a hallmark of NFL football. — Armando Salguero Outkick, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Juszczyk has been the 49ers’ nominee for the Art Rooney Award for sportsmanship for the past six seasons. — ABC News, 7 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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