ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sporting

adj. · v. · n.
US //ˈspɔɹtɪŋ// UK //spˈɔːtɪŋ// sport·ing
  1. 1 related to sports (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    relating to sports or used for sports.

    pertaining to or used in sports and athletic activities.

    Example

    The city is hosting several major sporting events this summer.

    Example

    The local council invested heavily in sporting facilities, hoping to encourage more teenagers to participate in organised athletics.
  2. 2 fair and honest (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    being fair, generous, and honest when playing a game or taking a risk.

    exhibiting sportsmanship; fair, generous, and willing to take a risk in a competitive context.

    Example

    It was a sporting gesture to let the other team practice on our field.

    Example

    The captain's decision to admit the ball had touched his hand was a sporting act that earned him respect from both sets of fans.
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  1. 3 wearing or displaying (v.)
    C1 Advanced Literary Humorous

    wearing something or showing a feature in a proud or noticeable way.

    the present participle of 'sport', meaning to wear or display something prominently.

    Example

    He arrived at the party sporting a bright red bowtie.

    Example

    By the second week of the expedition, most of the men were sporting thick beards and weathered complexions.

    Usage

    This sense is the present participle of the verb 'sport'.
  2. 4 playing sports (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the activity of playing sports.

    the act of engaging in or practicing sports.

    Example

    The school encourages sporting as a way to stay healthy.

    Example

    The club provides ample opportunities for sporting, ranging from casual weekend matches to professional league training.
Origin

By surface analysis, sport + -ing.

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