esports

American  

[ee-spawrts] / ˈiˌspɔrts /

Or e-sports

noun

1. (usually used with a plural verb) competitive tournaments of video games, especially among professional gamers.

2. (used with a singular verb) esport, a video game suited to or popular in this kind of tournament.

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adjective

1. of or relating to esports.

   an esports event;

   esports gambling.

Etymology

Origin of esports

First recorded in 1995–2000; e- ² (electronic) + sports

Example Sentences

Zhao, nicknamed "Ding" or "Teacher Ding" by the eSports football community, first stumbled upon a football video game in 2018 as a way to unwind between classes and football training.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

"The prize money is too little. It's difficult to make a living playing professionally, full-time," former pro eSports football player Monaco said, asking to use his screen name to avoid online abuse.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

The professionalism of virtual football, unlike other eSports, is at an early stage.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

"Probably only 10 people in all of China can make a living out of playing" football eSports, said Pan Shuyin, manager of the eSports division of Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025

The ePremier League kicked off in 2018 and eSports -- including football games -- became an official medal event at the last Asian Games held in 2023.

From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025