I. ˈspō(ə)r]t, -pȯ(ə)r], -ōə], -ȯ(ə)], usu ]d.+V verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English sporten, short for disporten to disport
transitive verb
1. archaic : to make (as oneself) merry : divert , amuse , cheer
2.
a. archaic : to expend (money) in gambling : wager , bet
b. : to expend wastefully or carelessly (as in riotous living) ; also : to spend lavishly and ostentatiously
3.
a. : to make public and usually ostentatious display or use of : show off
delighted to sport his learning in company
sporting the new sedan in the park
b. : to wear contentedly or with satisfaction
sported a trim little hat at church
c. : to keep or use as a possession
every clerk hoping to sport a horse some day
4. Britain : to close or keep (a door) closed usually as an indication that one is too occupied for company
5.
[ sport (II) ]
: to put forth as a sport or bud variation
the white rose sported a single red-flowered branch
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to amuse oneself by light or playful activity (as by participation in a game or outdoor exercise) : frolic , romp
lambs sporting in the meadow
b. : to engage or participate in a sport and especially an active field sport
2.
a. : to treat sportively or lightly : deal in a sportive or light manner : mock
b. : to speak or act jestingly or slightingly or without due or serious consideration — used with with
sporting with things he scarcely hoped to understand
3. archaic : to bet habitually
4.
[ sport (II) ]
: to deviate or vary abruptly from type : give rise to a sport (as by bud variation) : mutate
Synonyms: see play
•
- sport one's oak
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, short for disport
1.
a. : something that is a source of pleasant diversion : a pleasing or amusing pastime or activity : recreation
spent the afternoon in sport and play
b. obsolete : sexual dalliance : amorous play
c. obsolete : a theatrical performance
d. : a particular play, game, or mode of amusement: as
(1) : a diversion of the field (as fowling, hunting, fishing, racing, or athletic games) ; also : any of various games (as bowling, rackets, basketball) or comparable diversions usually played under cover
(2) : a game or contest especially when involving individual skill or physical prowess on which money is staked
2.
a. : something light, playful, or frivolous and lacking in serious intent or spirit : pleasantry , jest
b. : superior or contemptuous mirth : mocking , mockery , derision
then make sport at me, then let me be your jest — Shakespeare
3. : an occupation that constitutes a diversion
the same old domestic sport of arguing at table and making up in bed
4.
a. : something tossed or driven about in or as if in play : the helpless object of a force
the prey and sport of wintry winds
seemed no more than the sport of misfortune
b. : a subject of or butt for mirth, mockery, or derision : laughing stock
5. : a person interested in sports : sportsman: as
a. : a person with sporting instincts : one interested in sports chiefly for the gambling opportunities presented ; broadly : gambler
b. : a person enjoying a gay luxurious life : bon vivant
c. : a person living up to the high ideals of good sportsmanship especially as a loser in any contest or situation
d. : a companionable or likable person ; often : fellow , companion , chap
6. : an individual exhibiting in whole or in part a sudden spontaneous deviation from type beyond the normal limits of individual variation usually as a result of mutation especially of somatic tissue — compare bud variation
Synonyms: see fun , play II
•
- in sport
III. adjective
or sports ]ts
: of, relating to, or suitable for sports and especially outdoor sports : adapted to use in connection with sports
a sport roadster
sports equipment
especially : styled in a manner suitable for casual or informal wear
sports coats
a trim sport shoe