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Compilation of the best 100+ collocations with Sport

Sport is a commonly used topic in English vocabulary. Besides single vocabulary words, how many sport collocations do you know? Let's discover the list of the most common sport collocations right here with PREP!

Compilation of the best 100+ collocations with Sport
Compilation of the best 100+ collocations with Sport

I. What is Sport?

In English, Sport is pronounced as /spɔːrt/ and functions as both a noun and a verb. For example:

  • Sport acts as a noun, meaning: an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. For example: Football, basketball, and hockey are all team sports

  • Sport acts as a verb, meaning: wear or display (a distinctive or noticeable item). For example: The front of the car sported a German flag. 

What is Sport?
What is Sport?

II. Essential Sport Collocations: Complete Reference Tables

Mastering sport collocations requires understanding the precise word combinations that native speakers use naturally. These comprehensive tables provide over 100 essential collocations organized by category, complete with pronunciation guides and practical examples.

Compilation of common collocations with Sport
Compilation of common sport collocations

1. Core Sport Types and Categories

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

1

amateur sport

/ˈæmətər spɔrt/

Anna enjoyed playing tennis recreationally in her spare time, participating in amateur sport tournaments.

2

chosen sport

/ˈtʃoʊzən spɔrt/

Soccer was his chosen sport, and he dedicated countless hours to perfecting his skills on the field.

3

college sport

/ˈkɒlɪdʒ spɔrt/

Attending a university renowned for its athletic programs, she eagerly joined the college sport team.

4

competitive sport

/kəmˈpɛtɪtɪv spɔrt/

Swimming at the national level, Mark thrived on the intensity of competitive sport.

5

endurance sport

/ɪnˈdʊrəns spɔrt/

Marathon running is a demanding endurance sport that tests both physical and mental strength.

6

equestrian sport

/ɪˈkwɛstrɪən spɔrt/

Horseback riding enthusiasts gather to compete in various equestrian sport events.

7

individual sport

/ˌɪndɪˈvɪdʒuəl spɔrt/

Tennis is an individual sport where players rely solely on their own abilities to win matches.

8

indoor sport

/ˈɪndɔr spɔrt/

Basketball is a popular indoor sport played in gyms and arenas across the country.

9

intercollegiate sport

/ˌɪntərkəˈlɛdʒɪt spɔrt/

The intercollegiate sport rivalry between the two universities drew large crowds to the annual game.

10

interscholastic sport

/ˌɪntərskəˈlæstɪk spɔrt/

High school students eagerly signed up for interscholastic sport teams to represent their schools.

11

intramural sport

/ˌɪntrəˈmjʊrəl spɔrt/

The intramural sport league allows students to form teams and compete against each other within the university.

12

major sport

/ˈmeɪdʒər spɔrt/

Football is considered a major sport in many countries, attracting millions of fans worldwide.

13

motorsport

/ˈmoʊtər spɔrt/

Three motorsport fans were injured when a racing car skidded off a circuit and plowed into the crowd.

14

organized sport

/ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd spɔrt/

Youth soccer leagues provide children with opportunities to participate in organized sport activities.

15

outdoor sport

/ˈaʊtdoor spɔrt/

Hiking is a popular outdoor sport enjoyed by many nature enthusiasts seeking adventure in the wilderness.

16

popular sport

/ˈpɒpjʊlə ˈspɔːt/

Soccer is a popular sport enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide.

17

professional sport

/prəˈfɛʃənəl ˈspɔːt/

We want the autonomy of the professional sport to be fully respected.

18

racquet sport

/ˈrækɪt ˈspɔːt/

Tennis and badminton are examples of racquet sports that require players to use racquets to hit a ball or shuttlecock.

19

respective sport

/rɪsˈpɛktɪv ˈspɔːt/

Each country has its respective sport that reflects its cultural heritage and interests.

20

televised sport

/ˈtɛlɪvaɪzd ˈspɔːt/

Major sporting events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup are televised sports that attract millions of viewers.

21

varsity sport

/ˈvɑːsɪti ˈspɔːt/

Varsity sports are athletic programs sponsored by colleges and universities for student-athletes.

22

winter sport

/ˈwɪntə ˈspɔːt/

Skiing, snowboarding, and ice hockey are popular winter sports enjoyed in regions with cold climates and snow.

2. Sport Facilities and Infrastructure

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

23

sport complex

/spɔːt ˈkɒmplɛks/

The Olympic Games are held in a massive sport complex with various venues for different events.

24

sport facility

/spɔːt fəˈsɪlɪti/

Gyms, stadiums, and swimming pools are examples of sport facilities where people engage in physical activities.

25

sport center

/spɔːt ˈsentə/

The local sport center offers various fitness classes and training programs for all ages.

26

sport arena

/spɔːt əˈriːnə/

Basketball championships are held in the state-of-the-art sport arena downtown.

27

sport stadium

/spɔːt ˈsteɪdiəm/

The new sport stadium accommodates 80,000 spectators for major football matches.

28

sport ground

/spɔːt ɡraʊnd/

University students practice daily on the well-maintained sport ground behind the campus.

29

sport field

/spɔːt fiːld/

Children enjoy playing soccer on the local sport field every weekend afternoon.

30

sport venue

/spɔːt ˈvenjuː/

Olympic sport venues showcase cutting-edge architecture and technology.

3. Sport Activities and Specializations

No.

Collocation with sports

Pronunciation

Example

31

sport fishing

/spɔːt ˈfɪʃɪŋ/

Sport fishing involves catching fish for pleasure and recreation rather than for profit.

32

sport fisherman

/spɔːt ˈfɪʃərman/

A sport fisherman enjoys fishing as a recreational activity rather than for commercial purposes.

33

contact sport

/ˈkɒntækt spɔːt/

Rugby is a demanding contact sport that requires protective equipment and physical conditioning.

34

extreme sport

/ɪkˈstriːm spɔːt/

Bungee jumping represents a thrilling extreme sport for adrenaline seekers worldwide.

35

team sport

/tiːm spɔːt/

Volleyball is an exciting team sport that builds cooperation and communication skills.

36

water sport

/ˈwɔːtə spɔːt/

Surfing is a popular water sport in coastal regions with suitable wave conditions.

37

combat sport

/ˈkɒmbæt spɔːt/

Boxing is a traditional combat sport with strict rules and safety regulations.

38

blood sport

/blʌd spɔːt/

Many countries have banned blood sport activities due to animal welfare concerns.

39

summer sport

/ˈsʌmə spɔːt/

Tennis is a popular summer sport played in outdoor courts during warm weather.

40

recreational sport

/ˌrekriˈeɪʃənəl spɔːt/

Recreational sport participation promotes physical fitness and social interaction in communities.

4. Sport Events and Competitions

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

41

sport event

/spɔːt ɪˈvent/

The Olympic Games remain the world's most prestigious sport event for international competition.

42

sport competition

/spɔːt ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən/

Local sport competition encourages youth participation and community engagement effectively.

43

sport tournament

/spɔːt ˈtʊənəmənt/

The annual tennis sport tournament attracts professional players from around the globe.

44

sport match

/spɔːt mætʃ/

Yesterday's crucial sport match ended in a thrilling overtime victory.

45

sport game

/spɔːt ɡeɪm/

The championship sport game was postponed due to severe weather conditions.

46

sport season

/spɔːt ˈsiːzən/

Football sport season traditionally begins in September and continues through winter months.

47

sport league

/spɔːt liːɡ/

The premier sport league features top professional teams competing for national championships.

48

sport championship

/spɔːt ˈtʃæmpiənʃɪp/

Winning the sport championship requires months of intensive training and preparation.

49

sport festival

/spɔːt ˈfestɪvəl/

The annual sport festival celebrates athletic achievement and promotes community participation.

50

sport carnival

/spɔːt ˈkɑːnɪvəl/

School sport carnival brings together students from different grades for friendly competition.

5. Sport People and Roles

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

51

sport team

/spɔːt tiːm/

Our school sport team won the regional championship after months of dedicated training.

52

sport player

/spɔːt ˈpleɪə/

Every dedicated sport player requires discipline, commitment, and consistent practice sessions.

53

sport athlete

/spɔːt ˈæθliːt/

The professional sport athlete trains rigorously for six hours every single day.

54

sport coach

/spɔːt kəʊtʃ/

An experienced sport coach develops effective strategies and motivates team members.

55

sport trainer

/spɔːt ˈtreɪnə/

The sport trainer focuses on injury prevention and performance optimization techniques.

56

sport referee

/spɔːt ˌrefəˈriː/

The sport referee ensures fair play and enforces rules throughout the match.

57

sport official

/spɔːt əˈfɪʃəl/

Sport officials make crucial decisions that impact competition outcomes significantly.

58

sport fan

/spɔːt fæn/

Passionate sport fans create incredible atmosphere and energy in stadiums worldwide.

59

sport supporter

/spɔːt səˈpɔːtə/

Loyal sport supporters travel great distances to cheer for their teams.

60

sport commentator

/spɔːt ˈkɒmənteɪtə/

The sport commentator explained complex game strategies clearly for television audiences.

6. Sport Performance and Results

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

61

sport performance

/spɔːt pəˈfɔːməns/

Proper nutrition and rest significantly impact overall sport performance levels.

62

sport result

/spɔːt rɪˈzʌlt/

Sport results from yesterday's international matches surprised many expert analysts.

63

sport record

/spɔːt ˈrekɔːd/

She established a new world sport record in the women's marathon event.

64

sport achievement

/spɔːt əˈtʃiːvmənt/

Olympic medals represent the highest sport achievement possible for competitive athletes.

65

sport victory

/spɔːt ˈvɪktəri/

The unexpected sport victory was celebrated throughout the entire nation.

66

sport defeat

/spɔːt dɪˈfiːt/

Learning from sport defeat builds character, resilience, and determination.

67

sport success

/spɔːt səkˈses/

Consistent training and dedication lead to meaningful sport success eventually.

68

sport failure

/spɔːt ˈfeɪljə/

Sport failure teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and mental toughness.

69

sport comeback

/spɔːt ˈkʌmbæk/

The veteran athlete's remarkable sport comeback inspired millions of fans worldwide.

70

sport breakthrough

/spɔːt ˈbreɪkθruː/

Her sport breakthrough came after years of dedicated training and sacrifice.

7. Sport Training and Development

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

71

sport training

/spɔːt ˈtreɪnɪŋ/

Daily sport training builds endurance, strength, and technical skills progressively.

72

sport practice

/spɔːt ˈpræktɪs/

Regular sport practice improves performance and builds confidence in competitive situations.

73

sport coaching

/spɔːt ˈkəʊtʃɪŋ/

Professional sport coaching develops athlete potential and maximizes performance capabilities.

74

sport development

/spɔːt dɪˈveləpmənt/

Youth sport development programs nurture future champions and promote healthy lifestyles.

75

sport education

/spɔːt ˌedjuˈkeɪʃən/

Sport education teaches valuable life skills beyond athletic performance and competition.

76

sport instruction

/spɔːt ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/

Quality sport instruction accelerates skill acquisition and technique development significantly.

77

sport technique

/spɔːt tekˈniːk/

Proper sport technique prevents injury and improves efficiency in athletic performance.

78

sport skill

/spɔːt skɪl/

Developing sport skill requires patience, persistence, and consistent effort over time.

79

sport fitness

/spɔːt ˈfɪtnəs/

Sport fitness encompasses strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination components.

80

sport conditioning

/spɔːt kənˈdɪʃənɪŋ/

Sport conditioning prepares athletes for the physical demands of competitive performance.

8. Sport Equipment and Gear

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

81

sport equipment

/spɔːt ɪˈkwɪpmənt/

Quality sport equipment improves safety standards and enhances performance significantly.

82

sport gear

/spɔːt ɡɪər/

Proper sport gear protects athletes from potential injuries during training and competition.

83

sport uniform

/spɔːt ˈjuːnɪfɔːm/

Team sport uniform creates unity and professional appearance in competitive events.

84

sport shoes

/spɔːt ʃuːz/

Specialized sport shoes enhance performance for different athletic activities and surfaces.

85

sport clothing

/spɔːt ˈkləʊðɪŋ/

Modern sport clothing uses advanced materials for comfort and performance optimization.

9. Sport Media and Business

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

86

sport news

/spɔːt njuːz/

Daily sport news covers results from international competitions and athlete updates.

87

sport journalism

/spɔːt ˈdʒɜːnəlɪzəm/

Sport journalism requires deep knowledge and excellent writing skills for accurate reporting.

88

sport broadcast

/spɔːt ˈbrɔːdkɑːst/

Live sport broadcast brings excitement and drama to global television audiences.

89

sport channel

/spɔːt ˈtʃænəl/

Dedicated sport channels show games and competitions twenty-four hours daily.

90

sport magazine

/spɔːt ˌmæɡəˈziːn/

Sport magazines feature athlete interviews, training advice, and competition analysis.

91

sport website

/spɔːt ˈwebsaɪt/

Popular sport websites provide live scores, statistics, and breaking news updates.

92

sport industry

/spɔːt ˈɪndəstri/

The global sport industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually.

93

sport business

/spɔːt ˈbɪznəs/

Sport business includes sponsorship deals, merchandising, and broadcasting rights negotiations.

94

sport marketing

/spɔːt ˈmɑːkɪtɪŋ/

Effective sport marketing builds brand loyalty and connects with passionate fan bases.

95

sport sponsorship

/spɔːt ˈspɒnsəʃɪp/

Corporate sport sponsorship supports athlete development and competition funding programs.

10. Sport Health and Science

No.

Sport collocations

Pronunciation

Example

96

sport medicine

/spɔːt ˈmedsən/

Sport medicine specialists treat athletic injuries and optimize performance recovery.

97

sport injury

/spɔːt ˈɪndʒəri/

Proper warm-up routines prevent common sport injury occurrences during training.

98

sport therapy

/spɔːt ˈθerəpi/

Sport therapy accelerates recovery from training stress and competition demands.

99

sport nutrition

/spɔːt njuːˈtrɪʃən/

Sport nutrition plays crucial roles in athletic performance and recovery processes.

100

sport psychology

/spɔːt saɪˈkɒlədʒi/

Sport psychology helps athletes overcome mental barriers and performance anxiety.

101

sport science

/spɔːt ˈsaɪəns/

Sport science research continuously improves training methods and performance techniques.

102

sport physiology

/spɔːt ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi/

Sport physiology studies how human bodies adapt to exercise and training stress.

103

sport biomechanics

/spɔːt ˌbaɪəʊmɪˈkænɪks/

Sport biomechanics analyzes movement efficiency and technique optimization strategies.

104

sport rehabilitation

/spɔːt rɪˌhæbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/

Sport rehabilitation helps injured athletes return to competition safely and effectively.

105

sport recovery

/spɔːt rɪˈkʌvəri/

Adequate sport recovery prevents overtraining syndrome and maintains peak performance levels.

For further reference on sport collocations, you can access the link below!

COMPILATION OF THE MOST COMMON sport collocations

III. Exercises on sport collocations

To have a better understanding of sport collocations, let's complete the exercise section provided by PREP!

Exercise: Choose the correct answer

  1. Every weekend, the local community gathers at the park to play soccer for fun, showcasing their love for _______.

    1. Sports enthusiast

    2. Organized sports

    3. Popular sport

  2. In the Olympics, athletes from around the world compete fiercely in various _______ like swimming, track and field, and gymnastics.

    1. Sports facilities

    2. Competitive sport

    3. Sport fishing

  3. Tennis is a popular _______ where players rely solely on their skills and strategies to outplay their opponents on the court.

    1. Suitable sports

    2. Winter sports

    3. Individual sport

  4. During the colder months, many people enjoy _______ such as basketball or volleyball, which can be played in gyms or recreational centers.

    1. Indoor sport

    2. Outdoor sport

    3. Popular sport

  5. Football, known as soccer in some countries, is undeniably one of the most _______ globally, with millions of fans following matches religiously every week.

    1. Popular sports

    2. Racquet sports

    3. Respective sports

Answer:

1 - A

2 - B

3 - C

4 - A

5 - A

Read more articles:

This comprehensive guide to sport collocations provides the essential foundation for confident English communication about athletics, competition, and physical activities. By mastering these 105+ collocations, understanding their contextual applications, and recognizing usage patterns, you develop the linguistic precision needed to discuss sports with the natural fluency of native English speakers. Whether engaging in casual conversation, professional networking, or academic discussion, these sport collocations enhance your ability to express ideas clearly, accurately, and authentically in any athletic context.

Chloe
Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.

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