sportsman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “sportsman” mean?
A person who takes part in sport, especially a man.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who takes part in sport, especially a man.
A person who exhibits qualities such as fairness, courage, and respect for opponents, often associated with participation in sport; sometimes used generically to include women in contexts where the term is understood as gender-neutral.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term. British English may use 'sportsman' more generically for any sportsperson in some traditional contexts, while American English often pairs it explicitly with 'sportswoman' or uses 'athlete'.
Connotations
In both, implies skill and regular participation. Can carry connotations of traditional, amateur, or 'gentlemanly' sporting ethos, especially in British English.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English; 'athlete' is a more frequent generic term in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “sportsman” in a Sentence
sportsman + for + [team/club]sportsman + of + [skill/calibre]sportsman + in + [sport/field]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sportsman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- sportsmanlikely (very rare/archaic)
American English
- sportsmanlikely (very rare/archaic)
adjective
British English
- sportsmanlike (He showed sportsmanlike conduct.)
- sportsmanly (archaic)
American English
- sportsmanlike behavior
- He was very sportsmanlike.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in sponsorship, marketing, and management contexts (e.g., 'The brand signed the top sportsman').
Academic
Used in sports science, sociology, and gender studies discussions.
Everyday
Common in news, casual conversation about sports figures.
Technical
Less common; specific sport roles (e.g., 'goalkeeper', 'point guard') are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sportsman”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sportsman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sportsman”
- Using 'sportsman' to refer specifically to a woman (use 'sportswoman').
- Using plural 'sportsmans' (correct: 'sportsmen').
- Overusing as a generic term where 'athlete' or 'player' is more precise.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes. In modern usage, it can be used generically in some contexts, but 'sportsperson' or 'athlete' is more inclusive and precise for mixed-gender or unknown-gender groups.
The plural is 'sportsmen'.
'Athlete' is broader and gender-neutral, often implying competitive physical prowess. 'Sportsman' can have a slightly narrower, sometimes traditional or amateur connotation, and historically refers to males.
No, the adjectival form is 'sportsmanlike' (e.g., sportsmanlike behavior). The word 'sporting' can also be used in a similar way (e.g., sporting chance).
A person who takes part in sport, especially a man.
Sportsman is usually neutral to formal in register.
Sportsman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːtsmən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspɔːrtsmən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a good sport/sportsman”
- “sportsman's spirit”
- “poor sportsman”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SPORT + MAN – Think of a man actively engaged in sport.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPORT IS A PROFESSION (He is a professional sportsman), SPORT IS WAR (He was a fierce sportsman on the field).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST gender-inclusive synonym for 'sportsman'?