sporting

American  

[spawr-ting, spohr-] / ˈspɔr tɪŋ, ˈspoʊr- /

adjective

1. engaging in, disposed to, or interested in open-air or athletic sports: sports.

   a rugged, sporting man.

2. concerned with or suitable for such sports: sports.

   sporting equipment.

3. sportsmanlike.

4. interested in or connected with sports sports or pursuits involving betting or gambling.

   the sporting life of Las Vegas.

5. involving or inducing the taking of risk, as in a sport.

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sporting British  

/ ˈspɔːtɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) of, relating to, or used or engaged in a sport or sports

   several sporting interests

2. relating or conforming to sportsmanship; fair

3. of, relating to, or characterized by an interest in gambling

4. willing to take a risk

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Other Word Forms

• nonsporting adjective
• nonsportingly adverb
• sportingly adverb
• unsporting adjective

Etymology

Origin of sporting

First recorded in 1590–1600; sport + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Flashing a relaxed smile and sporting long gray hair, Small knows little about the controversial “The Drama,” an A24 film with a heavily guarded twist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Canada, and Mexico this summer for the largest sporting event on the planet, Italy will be sitting at home.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The Canadian Premier League is no stranger to a moment of sporting history.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Football legend Pele once trod its turf, and international sporting competitions have been held there.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

But it’s only Agent Magnus, sporting a nasty bruise on his forehead.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston