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

Howe has been involved in planning for these scenarios alongside sporting director Ross Wilson, with another busy summer on the cards.

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

In addition to eyeing more NFL games, Netflix has added boxing matchups and other sporting exhibitions, as well as some WWE content, in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

My mom rolled her eyes when she saw the shirts and called me an idiot, and once our customers started sporting their new garb at school, some of the teachers got to grumbling.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx