sport
1 of 3verb
ˈspȯrt 
sported; sporting; sports
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
[sport entry 2] : 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
[sport entry 2] : to put forth as a sport or bud variation
sport
2 of 3noun
1
a
: a source of diversion : recreation
b
: sexual play
c(1)
: physical activity engaged in for pleasure
(2)
: a particular activity (such 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
sport
3 of 3adjective
variants or sports
: of, relating to, or suitable for sports
especially : styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear
sport coats
Synonyms
Verb
- dally
- disport
- frolic
- play
- recreate
- rollick
- skylark
- toy
Noun
- dalliance
- frolic
- frolicking
- fun
- fun and games
- play
- recreation
- relaxation
- rollicking
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Verb She showed up at the party sporting a bright red hat. from sailing to snorkeling, each day we sported at a different activity offered by the beach resort Noun She likes to play sport. Ice-skating with friends is my favorite sport.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 Harrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Carmel Dagan, Variety, 16 Aug. 2022 Harrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Variety, NBC News, 16 Aug. 2022 To help you get started, here are the 30 best lug sole boots to sport now and into fall. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2022 But one of the most enticing options is chopping off your locks to sport a gray bob, which can be freeing in a world where women are constantly expected to go over their roots with box dye every month. Ana Escalante, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2022 High school baseball and softball players will be able to sport their favorite chain or bracelet next spring after the National Federation of High Schools removed its prohibition on jewelry. Brendan Kurie, BostonGlobe.com, 19 July 2022 The actress, who plays controversial playwright Lexi Howard on Euphoria, is known to sport a striking pout that stands out next to her co-stars’ winged liner looks. ELLE, 7 July 2022 For those who wish to remain closer to Earth, the new Dr. Martens and Heaven by Marc Jacobs collab provides a way to sport the trend, comfortably. Frances Solá-santiago, refinery29.com, 7 June 2022 David K. Li, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2022 Last month, Ohanian penned a touching message for his legendary wife, after the tennis champion announced her move away from the sport. Amethyst Tate, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 Tennis great Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the sport. Mark Osborne, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2022 After two decades at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the sport—bidding a warm and emotional farewell on social media. Anna Wintour, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2022 Her first guest was tennis great Serena Williams, who had recently announced her imminent retirement from the sport. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 11 Sep. 2022 Rafael Nadal, now in his mid-thirties, was recovering from an injury to an abdominal muscle, not to mention a foot injury that had nearly forced him to retire from the sport. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2022 Smith ultimately decided to retire as a competitor, but has not stepped away from the sport and doesn’t plan to. Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 But D’Amato, who was an All-American at American University (graduating in 2006) took years off from the sport after becoming injured. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Sep. 2022 Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2022 Several are multi-sport trips that combine biking with hiking or kayaking. Fox News, 2 Aug. 2022 Another perk of the camp is is that there are multiple options offered in one location (mountain biking, BMX, scootering, parkour, and multi-sport). Kim Westerman, Forbes, 31 July 2022 Prince Charles, 73, and Camilla, 75, were at the official opening of the Commonwealth Games, which bring together the countries of the Commonwealth for a multi-sport contest. PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Guests can roll a ball or two on one of their eight bowling lanes or take advantage of their virtual reality arena, arcade games, multi-sport simulator bays or a 3D Dark Ride. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 23 July 2022 Tuimoloau, though, combines the all-around skill set of a multi-sport prospect with advanced football awareness and a mature approach. Nathan Baird, cleveland, 23 July 2022 The World Games is an 11-day international multi-sport event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times, al, 2 July 2022 LaMacchia continued her multi-sport career at Cornell, playing soccer and basketball for the Big Red. Alex Harrison, The Enquirer, 24 June 2022 See More
Verb
Williams and her older sister, Venus Williams, were known to sport these hair accessories often early in their careers. Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 9 Sep. 2022 Harrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Carmel Dagan, Variety, 16 Aug. 2022 Harrison Ford was still young enough to seem capable of physically taking control amid a terrorist plot aboard the presidential plane while old enough to sport the gravitas of a U.S. president. Variety, NBC News, 16 Aug. 2022 To help you get started, here are the 30 best lug sole boots to sport now and into fall. Laura Jackson, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2022 But one of the most enticing options is chopping off your locks to sport a gray bob, which can be freeing in a world where women are constantly expected to go over their roots with box dye every month. Ana Escalante, Glamour, 6 Aug. 2022 High school baseball and softball players will be able to sport their favorite chain or bracelet next spring after the National Federation of High Schools removed its prohibition on jewelry. Brendan Kurie, BostonGlobe.com, 19 July 2022 The actress, who plays controversial playwright Lexi Howard on Euphoria, is known to sport a striking pout that stands out next to her co-stars’ winged liner looks. ELLE, 7 July 2022 For those who wish to remain closer to Earth, the new Dr. Martens and Heaven by Marc Jacobs collab provides a way to sport the trend, comfortably. Frances Solá-santiago, refinery29.com, 7 June 2022 Noun
Roger Federer, the winner of 20 major singles titles and a face of men's tennis for two decades, announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday. David K. Li, NBC News, 15 Sep. 2022 Last month, Ohanian penned a touching message for his legendary wife, after the tennis champion announced her move away from the sport. Amethyst Tate, Peoplemag, 15 Sep. 2022 Tennis great Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the sport. Mark Osborne, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2022 After two decades at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, Roger Federer has announced his retirement from the sport—bidding a warm and emotional farewell on social media. Anna Wintour, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2022 Her first guest was tennis great Serena Williams, who had recently announced her imminent retirement from the sport. Aimée Lutkin, ELLE, 11 Sep. 2022 Rafael Nadal, now in his mid-thirties, was recovering from an injury to an abdominal muscle, not to mention a foot injury that had nearly forced him to retire from the sport. Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2022 Smith ultimately decided to retire as a competitor, but has not stepped away from the sport and doesn’t plan to. Jenna Ortiz, The Arizona Republic, 7 Sep. 2022 But D’Amato, who was an All-American at American University (graduating in 2006) took years off from the sport after becoming injured. Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 3 Sep. 2022 Adjective
Last school year, Austin Overn of Santa Ana Foothill demonstrated the value of being a multi-sport athlete, starring as a receiver in football, a standout center fielder in baseball and running 10.49 seconds for 100 meters in track. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2022 Several are multi-sport trips that combine biking with hiking or kayaking. Fox News, 2 Aug. 2022 Another perk of the camp is is that there are multiple options offered in one location (mountain biking, BMX, scootering, parkour, and multi-sport). Kim Westerman, Forbes, 31 July 2022 Prince Charles, 73, and Camilla, 75, were at the official opening of the Commonwealth Games, which bring together the countries of the Commonwealth for a multi-sport contest. PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 Guests can roll a ball or two on one of their eight bowling lanes or take advantage of their virtual reality arena, arcade games, multi-sport simulator bays or a 3D Dark Ride. Gabi De La Rosa, Chron, 23 July 2022 Tuimoloau, though, combines the all-around skill set of a multi-sport prospect with advanced football awareness and a mature approach. Nathan Baird, cleveland, 23 July 2022 The World Games is an 11-day international multi-sport event organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee. Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times, al, 2 July 2022 LaMacchia continued her multi-sport career at Cornell, playing soccer and basketball for the Big Red. Alex Harrison, The Enquirer, 24 June 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English, to divert, disport, short for disporten
First Known Use
Verb
15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a
Noun
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
circa 1586, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing sport
Kids Definition
sport 1 of 2
noun
ˈspȯrt
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
: pastime, recreation
4
: fun entry 1 sense 3
He made sport of their embarrassment.
sport
2 of 2verb
sported; sporting
: to wear in a way that attracts attention
He sported new sneakers.
Medical Definition
sport
noun
ˈspō(ə)rt, ˈspȯ(ə)rt
: 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
sport 1 of 2
noun
1
as in recreation
activity engaged in to amuse oneself I don't care terribly whether I actually catch any fish, as I'm just doing this for sport Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- recreation
- relaxation
- fun
- entertainment
- amusement
- enjoyment
- play
- pleasure
- frolicking
- rollicking
- hobby
- dalliance
- pastime
- frolic
- playfulness
- diversion
- fun and games
- sportiveness
- romping
- delight
- gamboling
- hobbyhorse
- gambolling
- pleasance
- lark
- kick
- mischief
- devilment
- horseplay
- rascality
- roguishness
- friskiness
- revel
- merrymaking
- revelry
- buffoonery
- tomfoolery
- hob
- devilry
- merriment
- spree
- hilarity
- high jinks
- rollick
- knavery
- mischievousness
- jinks
- wantonness
- waggery
- fling
- whoopee
- deviltry
- impishness
- binge
- hijinks
- hanky-panky
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- work
- labor
- duty
- drudgery
- responsibility
- obligation
2
as in game
an attitude or manner not to be taken seriously teasing that began in sport ended with some hateful words being exchanged Synonyms & Similar Words
- game
- play
- fun
- silliness
- frivolity
- levity
- jest
- frivolousness
- flippancy
- facetiousness
- light-mindedness
- frothiness
- flightiness
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- earnest
- seriousness
- gravity
- sobriety
- earnestness
- solemnity
- soberness
3
as in ridicule
the making of unkind jokes as a way of showing one's scorn for someone or something taught their children that it was not polite to make sport of others Synonyms & Similar Words
- ridicule
- disdain
- contempt
- laughter
- mockery
- satire
- insult
- scorn
- derision
- burlesque
- disparagement
- mimicry
- belittlement
- catcall
- caricature
- snickering
- pasquinade
- put-down
- deprecation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- praise
- approval
- applause
- commendation
4
as in joke
a person or thing that is made fun of had become the long-suffering sport of the village Synonyms & Similar Words
- joke
- target
- mockery
- victim
- butt
- fool
- mock
- pigeon
- monkey
- laughingstock
- derision
- jest
- sucker
- gull
- fall guy
- chump
- mark
- sap
- dupe
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- pet
- favorite
- darling
sport
2 of 2verb
1
as in to play
to engage in activity for amusement from sailing to snorkeling, each day we sported at a different activity offered by the beach resort Synonyms & Similar Words
- play
- toy
- frolic
- disport
- joke
- recreate
- entertain
- rollick
- relax
- rest
- amuse
- skylark
- delight
- gambol
- romp
- dabble
- cavort
- trifle
- screw around
- dally
- please
- dabble
- tease
- idle
- frisk
- hang
- hang about
- fiddle (around)
- loaf
- jest
- mess around
- divert
- bum (around)
- goldbrick
- slack (off)
- putter (around)
- dawdle
- lounge (around or about)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- work
- slave
- struggle
- labor
- sweat
- strive
- toil
- strain
- plug (away)
- drudge
- plod
2
as in to dance
to play and run about happily the millionaire's grandchildren sporting on the estate's spacious grounds Synonyms & Similar Words
- dance
- caper
- leap
- cut capers
- lark
- hop
- frolic
- gambol
- romp
- cavort
- disport
- skip
- tumble
- spring
- rollick
- revel
- frisk
- curvet
- horse around
- trip
- bound
- kick up one's heels
- kite
- clown
- lope
- carouse
- roister
- prance
- roughhouse
- cut up
- fool around
- carry on
- joyride
- skylark
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- stew
- pout
- sulk
- mope
3
as in to display
to present so as to invite notice or attention sported his flashy new car by driving it all over town Synonyms & Similar Words
- display
- flash
- exhibit
- show
- wave
- parade
- show off
- expose
- flaunt
- unveil
- produce
- disport
- strut
- air
- announce
- lay out
- advertise
- broadcast
- flourish
- post
- trumpet
- reveal
- publicize
- sound
- proclaim
- discover
- brandish
- herald
- placard
- divulge
- blaze
- bare
- uncover
- tell (of)
- unmask
- uncloak
- talk (about)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- camouflage
- mask
- disguise
- obscure
- cover
- curtain
- hide
- conceal
- veil
- occult
- occlude
- shroud
- enshroud
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of sport are fun, game, jest, and play. While all these words mean "action or speech that provides amusement or arouses laughter," sport applies especially to the arousing of laughter against someone.
teasing begun in sport led to anger
The synonyms fun and sport are sometimes interchangeable, but fun usually implies laughter or gaiety but may imply merely a lack of serious or ulterior purpose.
played cards just for fun
Game is close to sport, and often stresses mischievous or malicious fun.
made game of their poor relations
The meanings of jest and sport largely overlap; however, jest implies lack of earnestness and may suggest a hoaxing or teasing.
hurt by remarks said only in jest
In some situations, the words play and sport are roughly equivalent. However, play stresses the opposition to earnest without implying any malice or mischief.
pretended to strangle his brother in play