sport
A1Neutral to informal (as noun). Informal when used as a verb ('to sport') and adjective ('sport coat').
Definition
Meaning
An activity involving physical exertion and skill, governed by rules and often competitive.
A source of amusement, entertainment, or playful behaviour; also used to refer to a person who displays good sportsmanship.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a countable noun, it refers to specific activities (football, tennis). As an uncountable noun (sport in general), it often lacks an article. The verb sense is primarily British.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English uses 'sport' more commonly as an uncountable mass noun ('I love sport'). American English more often uses the plural 'sports' in the same context ('I love sports'). The term 'sports' is also more common in AmE as a pre-modifier ('sports car', 'sports team'). BrE can use 'sport' singularly as a modifier ('sport coat', 'sport day').
Connotations
Similar. 'To sport' meaning 'to wear' is more common and slightly more formal in BrE; in AmE it can sound archaic or deliberately stylish.
Frequency
Both are extremely high frequency. The plural form 'sports' is significantly more frequent in American English corpora for general references.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
play + [SPORT]be good at + [SPORT]go in for + [SPORT] (BrE)[SPORT] + is popular in + [COUNTRY]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be a good sport”
- “make sport of someone”
- “the sport of kings (horse racing)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In marketing: 'sport sponsorship', 'sportswear industry'.
Academic
In sociology: 'the social role of sport', 'sport and identity'.
Everyday
Discussing hobbies: 'What sports do you play?'
Technical
In broadcasting: 'sport commentary', 'sport statistics'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was sporting a new haircut.
- The team sported the new kit with pride.
American English
- She sported a vintage dress to the party.
- The building sports a new flag.
adverb
British English
- (Rare. 'Sportingly' exists but is very uncommon.)
American English
- (Rare. 'Sportingly' exists but is very uncommon.)
adjective
British English
- He wore a smart sport jacket.
- It was the main sport event of the year.
American English
- He wore a sharp sports coat.
- It was the main sports event of the year.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like sport.
- Football is a popular sport.
- Do you play any sports?
- She's very good at team sports like hockey.
- Watching sport is his favourite weekend activity.
- The school offers a variety of sports.
- He takes sport very seriously and trains every day.
- The government has pledged more funding for grassroots sport.
- She sports a tattoo she got on her travels.
- The sociology of sport examines its role in community building.
- He accepted the defeat with good grace, proving himself a true sport.
- The company decided to sport its new logo on all official correspondence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPORT: Starts with 'S' for 'sweat' and ends with 'T' for 'team' – both core to its meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SPORT (e.g., 'It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'sport' only for Olympic-level activities. English 'sport' includes casual games like frisbee.
- Do not translate 'спортзал' as 'sport hall'; it's 'gym' or 'sports hall'.
- The Russian phrase 'заниматься спортом' translates best as 'do sport(s)' or 'play sport(s)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sport' as an adjective in all contexts (use 'sports' in AmE: 'sports car', not 'sport car').
- Incorrect: 'I practise sport.' Correct: 'I do sport.' or 'I play sports.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is most typical of American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. When talking about a specific activity like tennis, it's countable ('a sport', 'two sports'). When talking about the general concept or activity, it's often uncountable, especially in British English ('I love sport').
A 'sport' usually implies significant physical exertion and skill (e.g., swimming, athletics). A 'game' is played for amusement and often involves rules and competition; it can be physical (football, a sport and a game) or mental (chess, a game but not a sport).
Yes, primarily meaning 'to wear or display something noticeably'. It is more common in British English but understood everywhere. (e.g., 'He sported a big smile.')
'Do sport(s)' and 'play sport(s)' are both correct and common. 'Practice sport' is less idiomatic in this general sense; 'practice' is used with a specific sport ('practice tennis'). In American English, 'play sports' is most frequent.