Definition

Noun: An object, tool, or piece of equipment specifically designed for use in a sporting activity. It is the physical item that is directly handled, struck, thrown, or otherwise utilized to play a particular sport.

Usage

A "sports implement" is a general term for the essential equipment required to play a sport. The specific implement is integral to the rules and execution of the sport. The term is more formal and is often used in instructional, retail, or technical contexts.

Examples

• The store sells a wide range of sports implements, from tennis rackets to golf clubs.
• Proper care and maintenance of your sports implement can improve its performance and longevity.
• The rules specify the permitted dimensions and materials for the sports implement used in the competition.

Advanced Usage

• Collective Reference: The term can be used to refer to equipment as a category.
  • The museum has an exhibit on the evolution of sports implements over the last century.
• Technical/Instructional Context: Commonly found in manuals, coaching guides, or product descriptions.
  • Chapter 3 covers the selection and handling of the primary sports implement.

Variants and Related Words

• Sports Equipment (n): A broader term that includes not only implements but also protective gear, nets, goals, and other accessories.
• Sporting Goods (n): A commercial term for items sold for sports and recreation, including implements, clothing, and footwear.

Synonyms

• Athletic equipment
• Game equipment
• Piece of sports gear

Related Terms and Concepts

• Protective Gear: Items like helmets, pads, or gloves, which are often distinguished from the primary active "implement."
• Apparatus: A more technical term sometimes used for gymnastics or training equipment.
• Tool: While similar, "tool" is a more general term for any handheld device; a sports implement is a tool for a specific sport.

Noun

1. an implement used in a sport