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

Also, the agents who have assisted the owners when they purchased the club, will often have a big say on who the sporting director is too.

From BBC • 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

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

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Spending on sporting events grew by $7 billion in the same period, Fishman wrote.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood