sportscast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to neutral; common in media contexts.
Quick answer
What does “sportscast” mean?
A radio or television broadcast of a sports event or sports news.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A radio or television broadcast of a sports event or sports news.
The profession or practice of providing live commentary, analysis, and reporting on sporting events via broadcast media. It can also refer to a single instance of such programming (e.g., 'tonight's sportscast').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'sportscast' and related forms ('sportscaster') are markedly more common and established in American English. British English typically uses 'sports programme', 'sports broadcast', or simply 'the sports'.
Connotations
In AmE, it carries a neutral, technical media connotation. In BrE, its use may sound distinctly American or like industry jargon.
Frequency
High frequency in AmE media lexicon; low frequency in BrE, where it is often considered an Americanism.
Grammar
How to Use “sportscast” in a Sentence
to host/present a sportscastthe sportscast covered...to be featured on/in a sportscastVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sportscast” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He will sportscast the match for an international feed.
- Channel 5 paid a premium to sportscast the finals.
American English
- She's been hired to sportscast the championship series.
- The network sportscasts dozens of games each week.
adverb
British English
- It was presented sportscast-style.
- He narrated the events sportscast.
American English
- The report was delivered sportscast-fast.
- She commentated sportscast-smooth.
adjective
British English
- The sportscast team arrived early.
- They discussed sportscast ethics.
American English
- The sportscast schedule is packed this weekend.
- He has a classic sportscast voice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in media industry discussions about ratings, scheduling, and advertising slots ('The prime-time sportscast draws the highest ad revenue').
Academic
Rare; might appear in media studies or communications research on broadcasting.
Everyday
Common in AmE: 'Did you catch the sportscast last night?' In BrE, more likely: 'Did you see the sports news?'
Technical
Used in broadcasting engineering and production (e.g., 'sportscast feed', 'sportscast graphics').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sportscast”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sportscast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sportscast”
- Confusing 'sportscast' (the programme) with 'sportscaster' (the person). Misspelling as 'sportcast' (missing the 's'). Using it in formal BrE contexts where 'sports broadcast' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is less common than the noun. It means 'to present or broadcast a sports event' (e.g., 'She will sportscast the Olympics').
A 'sportscast' is the programme or broadcast itself. A 'sportscaster' is the person who presents or commentates on that broadcast.
It is not recommended. In formal BrE contexts, 'sports broadcast', 'sports programme', or 'sports commentary' are more appropriate and widely understood.
No, it can refer to both live and pre-recorded broadcasts of sports events or news, though it strongly associates with live commentary.
A radio or television broadcast of a sports event or sports news.
Sportscast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːtskɑːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːrtskæst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPORTS + BROADCAST = SPORTSCAST. It's a sports event cast (sent out) over the airwaves.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS TRANSMISSION (to 'cast' is to throw or send forth).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'sportscast' most commonly used as the standard term for a sports television programme?