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.

---

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

---

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

"That certainly factored into our thinking around the building of a national centre, as well as the designing of what we've called the 'US Way', which is our strategy for sporting success," he said.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

During his remarkable writing career, he covered many significant world sporting events, including 232 golf majors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

It has also posed questions over the country's many other sporting investments.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

For Aramco, the sponsorship will allow a presence at the most-watched sporting event in the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

“Have you really? How sporting of you,” he said.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier