sporting

American  

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

adjective

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

   a rugged, sporting man.

2. concerned with or suitable for such sports.

   sporting equipment.

3. sportsmanlike.

4. interested in or connected with 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

Brett Arends had a ball sharing some fascinating information with soccer fans and people who like to bet on sporting events.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

That closed loop—a compelling business in the current environment—appears undervalued, with Gold.com sporting a $1.3 billion market capitalization and trading at just 13 times earnings.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 2026

He will also raise money for Sports Aid, who help support youngsters with the expense that come with chasing sporting dreams, and take advice from his dad's former team-mates.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

One of which was, for reasons of its own, sporting an American flag — maybe it wants to be a Mars rover when it grows up.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

Seconds later Alf appeared, sporting a fresh bruise on his head.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood