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

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

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

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

For Los Angeles law enforcement, the Baker to Vegas footrace is the premier sporting event of the year.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Bristol City are in the process of appointing a sporting director before bringing in a new head coach.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Didn't she know that all the other girls in my freshman class were sporting the coveted and trendy two-eyebrow look?

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi