Words / B1

SPORTS-sent-uh/ˈspɔːts ˌsentə/

A sports centre (id: sports-centre) is a building with facilities for sport, such as a pool, gym, and courts (UK). A leisure centre is a close twin, often council-run; PE is the school lesson. Membership is not the same as PE; after-school clubs still need the consent form.

Meaning

A building with facilities for sport, such as a pool, gym, and courts (UK).

Examples

• “The sports centre membership is not PE; after-school clubs still need the consent form.”
• “A sports-centre booking for the fixture still needs two staff, not only a minibus driver.”

Good to know

a sports centre (UK). Close: a leisure centre. Contrast: PE / a gym (often just weights). School / council. Countable buildings. Mix-up: a sports hall is usually one big indoor space.

Near in meaning

leisure centre

New