English Reference
noun

championship

n.
US /ˈtʃæmpiənˌʃɪp/ UK /tʃˈæmpiənʃˌɪp/ cham·pi·onship UK spelling championship's, championship's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate Sport

    a large competition or series of games played to find the best player or team.

    a competition or series of contests held to determine a champion.

    Simple

    The world championship will take place in Tokyo next summer.

    In context

    The national championship attracted athletes from every province, all competing for a chance to represent the country on the international stage.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the position or title of being the champion.

    the state or status of being a champion; the title held by a winner.

    Simple

    After years of training, she finally won the heavy-weight championship.

    In context

    The team successfully defended their championship for the third consecutive year, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest in the league's history.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of supporting or defending a particular idea or person.

    the act of defending or supporting a cause, person, or principle. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

    Simple

    Her championship of human rights earned her a global reputation.

    In context

    The senator's lifelong championship of environmental protection led to the passage of several landmark pieces of legislation.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate British English Sport

    a specific professional league, especially the second-highest level of football in England.

    a specific division within a professional sports league hierarchy, most notably the second tier of the English football league system.

    Simple

    His team was promoted from the Championship to the Premier League.

    In context

    The Championship is often cited as one of the most physically demanding and unpredictable football leagues in Europe.

British sprinter Amy Hunt certainly thinks so, and it seems to be working as she's now secured two gold medals at the European Athletics Championships.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

The title refers to the figure-skating legend and Olympian who, in the noughties, captivated the US with her performances on ice, winning a total of five world championships.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

From champion + -ship.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated