# sporting

/ˈspɔɹtɪŋ/ (US) · /spˈɔːtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sporting
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. related to sports

adjective · CEFR B1

relating to sports or used for sports.

For teachers: pertaining to or used in sports and athletic activities.

- The city is hosting several major sporting events this summer.
- The local council invested heavily in sporting facilities, hoping to encourage more teenagers to participate in organised athletics.

### 2. fair and honest

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. wearing or displaying

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary · Humorous

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

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

- He arrived at the party sporting a bright red bowtie.
- 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'.

### 4. playing sports

noun · CEFR B2

the activity of playing sports.

For teachers: the act of engaging in or practicing sports.

- The school encourages sporting as a way to stay healthy.
- The club provides ample opportunities for sporting, ranging from casual weekend matches to professional league training.

## Examples

- He is sporting a bright red tie today.
- The actor arrived at the premiere sporting a thick beard and a vintage tuxedo.
- By the second week of the festival, many attendees were sporting colorful wristbands that granted them exclusive access to the backstage lounges and private performances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.