Definition

1. Noun:

   • An activity involving physical exertion and skill, often competitive: An organized game or pastime governed by a set of rules.
   • A person who behaves in a good-natured way, especially when losing or being teased: Someone who accepts the outcome of a game or a joke cheerfully.
   • (Biology) An organism showing a sudden, heritable deviation from type: A plant or animal exhibiting a mutation.
   • (Archaic/Formal) Amusement or fun; playful jesting: Something done for enjoyment rather than seriously.

2. Verb:

   • To wear or display something noticeably: To have something on show in a proud or conspicuous way.
   • (Archaic) To play or frolic: To engage in lively, energetic play.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Physical Activity):

  • Football is a popular team sport.
  • She excels in winter sports like skiing.

• Noun (Good-natured Person):

  • He was a good sport about losing the match.
  • Don't be a poor sport; just join in the fun.

• Noun (Biology):

  • The gardener discovered a white-flowered sport on the rose bush.

• Verb (To wear):

  • He was sporting a bright new tie at the party.
  • She sported a large engagement ring.

Advanced Usage

• "In sport": As a joke; not meant seriously.

  • He said it only in sport, so please don't be offended.

• "To make sport of someone/something": To ridicule or mock.

  • It's unkind to make sport of his difficulties.

Variants and Related Words

• Sports (n, plural): Athletic activities collectively. (e.g., )
• Sporting (adj):
  • Related to sports. (e.g., a sporting event)
  • Showing fair and generous behavior. (e.g., a sporting chance)
• Sporty (adj): Liking or suitable for sport; casual and stylish. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Game (n): A form of competitive activity or sport played according to rules.
• Pastime (n): An activity done for enjoyment.
• Frolic (v): To play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically.
• Display (v): To show or exhibit.

Phrasal Verbs / Related Constructions

• Sport with (v, archaic): To toy or trifle with something.
  • He was accused of sporting with her affections.

Idioms

• A sporting chance: A reasonable chance of success, given fair conditions.
  • If we start now, we have a sporting chance of finishing on time.
• The sport of kings: Horse racing.
  • He invested heavily in the sport of kings.

Noun

1. verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
   • he became a figure of fun
   • he said it in sport
2. (biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
3. someone who engages in sports
4. a person known for the way she (or he) behaves when teased or defeated or subjected to trying circumstances
   • a good sport
   • a poor sport
5. (Maine colloquial) a temporary summer resident of Maine
6. the occupation of athletes who compete for pay
7. an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

Verb

1. play boisterously
   • The children frolicked in the garden
   • the gamboling lambs in the meadows
   • The toddlers romped in the playroom
2. wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner
   • she was sporting a new hat