Game vs. Sport — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 17, 2024
Game involves structured play, often for entertainment or skill development, while sport is a physical activity governed by rules, typically competitive and aiming for physical exertion.
Difference Between Game and Sport
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A game is a structured form of play, often designed for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool, whereas sport involves physical exertion and skill, aimed at maintaining or improving physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants, and, in many cases, entertainment to spectators.
Games can be either physical or mental, involving individual or team participation, and do not necessarily require physical strength or endurance, whereas sports are primarily physical and often involve competitions that test strength, speed, or endurance.
The objective in games can vary widely from amusement to educational purposes, focusing on strategy, luck, or a combination of both, whereas sports typically have the goal of winning a competition, improving health, or both.
Games often include activities like board games, card games, and video games, which may not require physical activity, while sports include activities like soccer, basketball, and tennis, which require physical involvement and coordination.
Rules in games can be subject to alteration or variation depending on the preferences of the players, while sports generally follow standardized rules that are consistent across formal competitions and are governed by sports organizations.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Structured form of play, possibly for enjoyment or educational purposes.
Physical activity involving skill, governed by rules, usually competitive.
Physicality
Not always required; can be mental or physical.
Primarily involves physical exertion and skills.
Purpose
Entertainment, education, or social interaction.
Competition, physical health, and entertainment.
Examples
Chess, Monopoly, Minecraft.
Football, tennis, athletics.
Rule Flexibility
Rules can vary and be adapted.
Standardized rules governed by sports organizations.
Compare with Definitions
Game
A form of competitive activity played according to rules.
Chess is a game that requires strategic thinking and planning.
Sport
Any particular pastime indulged in for pleasure.
Fishing is often considered more a sport than a means of survival.
Game
A playful or competitive event.
They organized several party games for the children’s birthday.
Sport
Activities that require physical prowess and are often competitive.
He's good at sports that require endurance and physical strength.
Game
An activity that one engages in for amusement.
Playing video games can be a fun way to relax.
Sport
An activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.
She plays sport every weekend, typically tennis or soccer.
Game
A complete episode or period of play, ending in a final result.
The game ended in a tie after two hours of play.
Sport
An organized, competitive, and skillful physical activity requiring commitment and fair play.
Basketball is a popular sport worldwide.
Game
A controlled environment where theoretical analysis is applied.
Game theory explores mathematical models of strategic interaction among rational decision-makers.
Sport
Physical activities recognized as games or competitions.
The Olympic Games include sports like swimming and gymnastics.
Game
A game is a structured form of play, usually undertaken for entertainment or fun, and sometimes used as an educational tool. Games are distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more often an expression of aesthetic or ideological elements.
Sport
Sport pertains to any form of competitive physical activity or game that aims to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing enjoyment to participants and, in some cases, entertainment to spectators. Sports can, through casual or organized participation, improve one's physical health.
Game
An activity providing entertainment or amusement; a pastime
Party games.
Word games.
Sport
An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.
Game
A competitive activity or sport in which players contend with each other according to a set of rules
The game of basketball.
The game of gin rummy.
Sport
Often sports (used with a sing. verb) Such activities considered as a group
Sports is a good way for children to get exercise.
Game
A single instance of such an activity
We lost the first game.
Sport
A usually challenging activity undertaken for amusement
"the sport of trying to eat [a bratwurst] with anything fewer than four paper napkins" (Jane Kramer).
Game
Games An organized athletic program or contest
Track-and-field games.
Took part in the winter games.
Sport
Fun; amusement
Balanced on the curb just for the sport of it.
Game
A period of competition or challenge
It was too late in the game to change the schedule of the project.
Sport
Mockery; jest
He made sport of his own looks.
Game
The total number of points required to win a game
One hundred points is game in bridge.
Sport
An object of mockery, jest, or play
Treated our interests as sport.
Game
The score accumulated at any given time in a game
The game is now 14 to 12.
Sport
A joking mood or attitude
She made the remark in sport.
Game
The equipment needed for playing certain games
Packed the children's games in the car.
Sport
One known for the manner of one's acceptance of rules, especially of a game, or of a difficult situation
A poor sport.
Game
A particular style or manner of playing a game
Improved my tennis game with practice.
Sport
(Informal) A fair-minded person, especially one who accepts teasing or difficult situations well
Be a sport and show me where you caught those fish.
Game
An active interest or pursuit, especially one involving competitive engagement or adherence to rules
"the way the system operates, the access game, the turf game, the image game" (Hedrick Smith).
Sport
(Informal) A pleasant companion
Was a real sport during the trip.
Game
A business or occupation; a line
The insurance game.
Sport
A person who lives a jolly, extravagant life.
Game
An illegal activity; a racket.
Sport
A gambler at sporting events.
Game
Evasive, trifling, or manipulative behavior
Wanted a straight answer, not more of their tiresome games.
Sport
(Biology) An organism or a part of an organism that shows a marked change from the parent type, typically as a result of mutation.
Game
A calculated strategy or approach; a scheme
I saw through their game from the very beginning.
Sport
(Obsolete) Amorous dalliance; lovemaking.
Game
(Mathematics) A model of a competitive situation that identifies interested parties and stipulates rules governing all aspects of the competition, used in game theory to determine the optimal course of action for an interested party.
Sport
To play or frolic
Children sporting in the waves.
Game
Wild animals hunted for food or sport.
Sport
To joke or trifle
"Lear ... in a storm, half mad, sported with by the gods" (Cynthia Ozick).
Game
The flesh of these animals, eaten as food.
Sport
To wear or have on one's body, especially prominently or ostentatiously
Sports diamond earrings.
Sports a tattoo.
Game
An object of attack, ridicule, or pursuit
The press considered the candidate's indiscretions to be game.
Sport
To have as a prominent feature
A car sporting a new paint job.
Game
Mockery; sport
The older children teased and made game of the newcomer.
Sport
Of, relating to, or appropriate for sports
Sport fishing.
Sports equipment.
Game
To manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; rig
Executives who gamed the system to get huge payoffs.
Sport
Designed or appropriate for outdoor or informal wear
A sport shirt.
Game
To play for stakes; gamble.
Sport
(countable) Any activity that uses physical exertion or skills competitively under a set of rules that is not based on aesthetics.
Game
To play a role-playing or computer game.
Sport
(countable) A person who exhibits either good or bad sportsmanship.
Jen may have won, but she was sure a poor sport; she laughed at the loser.
The loser was a good sport, and congratulated Jen on her performance.
Game
Plucky and unyielding in spirit; resolute
She put up a game fight against her detractors.
Sport
(countable) Somebody who behaves or reacts in an admirably good-natured manner, e.g. to being teased or to losing a game; a good sport.
You're such a sport! You never get upset when we tease you.
Game
Ready and willing
Are you game for a swim?.
Sport
(obsolete) That which diverts, and makes mirth; pastime; amusement.
Game
Crippled; lame
A game leg.
Sport
(obsolete) Mockery, making fun; derision.
Game
A playful or competitive activity.
Sport
(countable) A toy; a plaything; an object of mockery.
Game
A playful activity that may be unstructured; an amusement or pastime.
Being a child is all fun and games.
Sport
(uncountable) Gaming for money as in racing, hunting, fishing.
Game
(countable) An activity described by a set of rules, especially for the purpose of entertainment, often competitive or having an explicit goal.
Games in the classroom can make learning fun.
Sport
A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. The term encompasses both mutants and organisms with non-genetic developmental abnormalities such as birth defects.
Game
A school subject during which sports are practised.
Sport
A sportsman; a gambler.
Game
(countable) A particular instance of playing a game.
Sally won the game.
They can turn the game around in the second half.
Sport
One who consorts with disreputable people, including prostitutes.
Game
That which is gained, such as the stake in a game.
Sport
An amorous dalliance.
Game
The number of points necessary to win a game.
In short whist, five points are game.
Sport
A friend or acquaintance (chiefly used when speaking to the friend in question)
Game
(card games) In some games, a point awarded to the player whose cards add up to the largest sum.
Sport
(obsolete) Play; idle jingle.
Game
(countable) The equipment that enables such activity, particularly as packaged under a title.
Some of the games in the closet we have on the computer as well.
Sport
(intransitive) To amuse oneself, to play.
Children sporting on the green
Game
One's manner, style, or performance in playing a game.
Study can help your game of chess.
Hit the gym if you want to toughen up your game.
Sport
(intransitive) To mock or tease, treat lightly, toy with.
Jen sports with Bill's emotions.
Game
Senseid|en|video game}} (countable) {{ellipsis of video game
Sport
(transitive) To display; to have as a notable feature.
Jen's sporting a new pair of shoes;
He was sporting a new wound from the combat
Game
Lovemaking, flirtation.
Sport
(reflexive) To divert; to amuse; to make merry.
Game
(slang) Prostitution. (Now chiefly in on the game.)
Sport
(transitive) To represent by any kind of play.
Game
A field of gainful activity, as an industry or profession.
When it comes to making sales, John is the best in the game.
He's in the securities game somehow.
Sport
To practise the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races.
Game
Something that resembles a game with rules, despite not being designed.
In the game of life, you may find yourself playing the waiting game far too often.
Sport
To assume suddenly a new and different character from the rest of the plant or from the type of the species; said of a bud, shoot, plant, or animal.
Game
An exercise simulating warfare, whether computerized or involving human participants.
Sport
(transitive) To close (a door).
Game
(uncountable) wild animals hunted for food.
The forest has plenty of game.
Sport
That which diverts, and makes mirth; pastime; amusement.
It is as sport to a fool to do mischief.
Her sports were such as carried riches of knowledge upon the stream of delight.
Think it but a minute spent in sport.
Game
The ability to seduce someone, usually by strategy.
He didn't get anywhere with her because he had no game.
Sport
Mock; mockery; contemptuous mirth; derision.
Then make sport at me; then let me be your jest.
Game
Mastery; the ability to excel at something.
Sport
That with which one plays, or which is driven about in play; a toy; a plaything; an object of mockery.
Flitting leaves, the sport of every wind.
Never does man appear to greater disadvantage than when he is the sport of his own ungoverned passions.
Game
(countable) A questionable or unethical practice in pursuit of a goal.
You want to borrow my credit card for a week? What's your game?
Sport
Play; idle jingle.
An author who should introduce such a sport of words upon our stage would meet with small applause.
Game
(colloquial) Willing and able to participate.
Sport
Diversion of the field, as fowling, hunting, fishing, racing, games, and the like, esp. when money is staked.
Game
(of an animal) That shows a tendency to continue to fight against another animal, despite being wounded, often severely.
Sport
A plant or an animal, or part of a plant or animal, which has some peculiarity not usually seen in the species; an abnormal variety or growth. See Sporting plant, under Sporting.
Game
Persistent, especially in senses similar to the above.
Sport
A sportsman; a gambler.
Game
Injured, lame (of a limb).
Sport
To play; to frolic; to wanton.
[Fish], sporting with quick glance,Show to the sun their waved coats dropt with gold.
Game
(intransitive) To gamble.
Sport
To practice the diversions of the field or the turf; to be given to betting, as upon races.
Game
(intransitive) To play card games, board games, or video games.
Sport
To trifle.
Game
(transitive) To exploit loopholes in a system or bureaucracy in a way which defeats or nullifies the spirit of the rules in effect, usually to obtain a result which otherwise would be unobtainable.
We'll bury them in paperwork, and game the system.
Sport
To divert; to amuse; to make merry; - used with the reciprocal pronoun.
Against whom do ye sport yourselves?
Game
To perform premeditated seduction strategy.
Sport
To represent by any kind of play.
Now sporting on thy lyre the loves of youth.
Game
Crooked; lame; as, a game leg.
Sport
To exhibit, or bring out, in public; to use or wear; as, to sport a new equipage.
Game
Having a resolute, unyielding spirit, like the gamecock; ready to fight to the last; plucky.
I was game . . . .I felt that I could have fought even to the death.
Sport
To give utterance to in a sportive manner; to throw out in an easy and copious manner; - with off; as, to sport off epigrams.
Game
Of or pertaining to such animals as are hunted for game, or to the act or practice of hunting.
Sport
An active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
Game
Sport of any kind; jest, frolic.
We have had pastimes here, and pleasant game.
Sport
The occupation of athletes who compete for pay
Game
A contest, physical or mental, according to certain rules, for amusement, recreation, or for winning a stake; as, a game of chance; games of skill; field games, etc.
But war's a game, which, were their subject wise,Kings would not play at.
Sport
Someone who engages in sports
Game
The use or practice of such a game; a single match at play; a single contest; as, a game at cards.
Talk the game o'er between the deal.
Sport
(biology) an organism that has characteristics resulting from chromosomal alteration
Game
That which is gained, as the stake in a game; also, the number of points necessary to be scored in order to win a game; as, in short whist five points are game.
Sport
(Maine colloquial) temporary summer resident of inland Maine
Game
In some games, a point credited on the score to the player whose cards counts up the highest.
Sport
Verbal wit (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously);
He became a figure of fun
Game
A scheme or art employed in the pursuit of an object or purpose; method of procedure; projected line of operations; plan; project.
Your murderous game is nearly up.
It was obviously Lord Macaulay's game to blacken the greatest literary champion of the cause he had set himself to attack.
Sport
Wear or display in an ostentatious or proud manner;
She was sporting a new hat
Game
Animals pursued and taken by sportsmen; wild meats designed for, or served at, table.
Those species of animals . . . distinguished from the rest by the well-known appellation of game.
Sport
Play boisterously;
The children frolicked in the garden
The gamboling lambs in the meadows
The toddlers romped in the playroom
Game
To rejoice; to be pleased; - often used, in Old English, impersonally with dative.
God loved he best with all his whole hearteAt alle times, though him gamed or smarte.
Game
To play at any sport or diversion.
Game
To play for a stake or prize; to use cards, dice, billiards, or other instruments, according to certain rules, with a view to win money or some other thing waged upon the issue of the contest; to gamble.
Game
A single play of a game;
The game lasted 2 hours
Game
A contest with rules to determine a winner;
You need four people to play this game
Game
An amusement or pastime;
They played word games
He thought of his painting as a game that filled his empty time
His life was all fun and games
Game
Animal hunted for food or sport
Game
The game equipment needed to play a game;
The child received several games for his birthday
Game
Your occupation or line of work;
He's in the plumbing game
She's in show biz
Game
(games) the score at a particular point or the score needed to win;
The game is 6 all
He is serving for the game
Game
The flesh of wild animals that is used for food
Game
A secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal);
They concocted a plot to discredit the governor
I saw through his little game from the start
Game
Frivolous or trifling behavior;
For actors, memorizing lines is no game
For him, life is all fun and games
Game
Place a bet on;
Which horse are you backing?
I'm betting on the new horse
Game
Disabled in the feet or legs;
A crippled soldier
A game leg
Game
Willing to face danger
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between a game and a sport?
The primary difference is that sports always involve physical activities and have set rules, often competitive, whereas games can also be non-physical and more flexible in rules.
Can a game also be a sport?
Yes, some games can also be considered sports if they involve physical exertion and are competitive, such as soccer or basketball.
What are some examples of activities that are clearly games but not sports?
Examples include chess, card games, and video games, which do not require physical exertion.
Are all sports considered games?
While all sports can be viewed as games due to their structured nature and rule-based play, not all games are sports, particularly those that are non-physical.
What skills are typically required for games compared to sports?
Games often emphasize strategic thinking, problem-solving, and mental agility, while sports generally require physical skills, coordination, and stamina.
Is sportsmanship applicable to games as well as sports?
Yes, sportsmanship, involving fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behavior in winning or losing, is valued both in sports and competitive games.
How does the social impact of playing games compare to playing sports?
Both games and sports can foster social interactions and community building, but sports often have a greater emphasis on physical health benefits and teamwork.
How do regulations affect games and sports differently?
Sports are typically governed by strict, universal rules upheld by authoritative bodies, whereas games can have more flexible rules that vary by region or group.
How do cultural perceptions of games and sports differ?
Sports are often viewed as a form of physical fitness and competitive activity, highly valued for promoting teamwork and discipline, while games might be seen more as leisure activities.
Why are some physical activities considered games rather than sports?
Physical activities that lack structured competition or standardized rules are often considered games. For example, playing catch or frisbee can be seen as a game rather than a sport.
Can digital activities be classified as sports?
Digital activities, like esports, involve competition, skill, and often teamwork, similar to traditional sports, though they lack the physical exertion aspect typically associated with sports.
Can participation in games evolve into sports?
Yes, many activities start as recreational games and can evolve into recognized sports as they gain structure, rules, and competitive elements, such as skateboarding.
Are there any health risks associated with games compared to sports?
Sports, involving physical activity, can lead to physical injuries like strains or sprains. In contrast, games, particularly video or board games, might pose risks related to sedentary behavior, such as eye strain or poor posture.
Do games and sports equally contribute to education?
Both can be educational, but they contribute in different ways; games can enhance cognitive and decision-making skills, while sports are often used to teach discipline, physical fitness, and teamwork.
How does one transition from playing a game to playing a sport?
This transition often involves increased organization, formalized rules, coaching, and competitive play, as seen when recreational activities like playing pool or darts become competitive sports.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
