I. ˈspȯrt verb
Etymology: Middle English, to divert, disport, short for disporten
Date: 15th century
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to amuse oneself : frolic
lambs sport ing in the meadow
b. : to engage in a sport
2.
a. : to mock or ridicule something
b. : to speak or act in jest : trifle
3.
[ sport (II)]
: to deviate or vary abruptly from type (as by bud variation) : mutate
transitive verb
1. : to display or wear usually ostentatiously : boast
sport ing expensive new shoes
2.
[ sport (II)]
: to put forth as a sport or bud variation
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : a source of diversion : recreation
b. : sexual play
c.
(1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure
(2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
2.
a. : pleasantry , jest
b. : often mean-spirited jesting : mockery , derision
3.
a. : something tossed or driven about in or as if in play
b. : laughingstock
4.
a. : sportsman
b. : a person considered with respect to living up to the ideals of sportsmanship
a good sport
a poor sport
c. : a companionable person
5. : an individual exhibiting a sudden deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue
Synonyms: see fun
III. adjective
or sports
Date: 1582
: of, relating to, or suitable for sports ; especially : styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear
sport coats