sports: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral (common in all registers)
Quick answer
What does “sports” mean?
Physical activities or games involving skill and effort, usually competitive, governed by rules.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Physical activities or games involving skill and effort, usually competitive, governed by rules.
Can refer to the organized sector of such activities, including teams, leagues, and events; also used figuratively for any activity requiring skill and effort.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'sport' is often used as a mass noun ('He's good at sport'). In US English, the plural 'sports' is more common in that context ('He's good at sports').
Connotations
In British English, 'sport' can have a slightly more traditional, amateurish connotation in some contexts (e.g., 'school sport'). In American English, 'sports' often implies a professionalized, spectator-driven industry.
Frequency
The singular 'sport' is more frequent in UK English; the plural 'sports' is more dominant in US English for general reference.
Grammar
How to Use “sports” in a Sentence
play + sportswatch + sportsbe interested in + sportsa range of + sportsgood at + sport/sportsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sports” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was sporting a new team jersey.
- The car sported a fresh coat of paint.
American English
- He sported a new team jersey.
- The team was sporting their championship rings.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; usually part of compound adjectives)
American English
- (Rare as a pure adverb; usually part of compound adjectives)
adjective
British English
- He wore a sports jacket to the casual event.
- It's a sports direct shop.
American English
- She drove a red sports car.
- We watched the game on the sports channel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the sports industry, marketing, sponsorship, and management.
Academic
Used in fields like sports science, sociology of sport, and sports history.
Everyday
Talking about hobbies, watching events, and general interest.
Technical
In sports medicine, coaching, biomechanics, and sports engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sports”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sports”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sports”
- Using 'sport' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'I practise a sport' – correct but less common than 'I play a sport'). Forgetting the 's' in adjectival use (e.g., 'sports car' not 'sport car').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically plural. However, it is often treated as a singular concept (e.g., 'Sports is important to him'). The singular form is 'sport' for a specific activity.
Yes, but it is not common in the sense of 'to play a sport'. It usually means 'to wear or display prominently' (e.g., 'He sported a new hat').
In UK English, 'athletics' usually refers specifically to track and field events. In US English, it's often synonymous with sports in general, especially in an educational context (e.g., 'college athletics'). 'Sports' is the broader, more general term.
This reflects a broader pattern. American English often prefers simplified or logically singular forms for collective concepts ('math', 'sports'). British English often retains the original grammatical plurality ('maths', but interestingly, also uses the singular 'sport' as a mass noun).
Physical activities or games involving skill and effort, usually competitive, governed by rules.
Sports is usually neutral (common in all registers) in register.
Sports: in British English it is pronounced /spɔːts/, and in American English it is pronounced /spɔːrts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be a good sport”
- “the sport of kings (horse racing)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Sports SPortS: Skill, Play, Strength.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SPORT (e.g., 'level playing field', 'game changer', 'out of my league').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural adjectival use?