early 15c., sporte, "pleasant pastime, activity that brings amusement; joking, foolery;" a shortening of disport "activity that offers amusement or relaxation; entertainment, fun" (c. 1300), also "a pastime or game; flirtation," also pleasure taken in such activity (late 14c.); from Anglo-French disport, Old French desport, deport "pleasure, enjoyment, delight; solace, consolation; favor, privilege," which is related to desporter, deporter "to divert, amuse, please, play" (see sport (v.)), also compare disport (n.).

Older sense are preserved in phrases such as in sport "in jest, by way of diversion" (mid-15c.). The meaning "game involving physical exercise" is recorded by 1520s. The sport of kings (1660s) originally was war-making. Other, lost senses of Middle English disport were "consolation, solace; a source of comfort."