sport

I. verb Etymology: Middle English, to divert, disport, short for disporten Date: 15th century intransitive verb 1. a. to amuse oneself ; frolic <

lambs sporting 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 <

sporting 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

>