game

noun games

1. countable, uncountable A playful activity that may be unstructured; an amusement or pastime. Being a child is all fun and games.

   Similar: amusement, diversion, entertainment, festivity, frolic, fun, gaiety, gambol, lark, merriment, merrymaking, pastime · Opposite: drudgery, work, toil

2. 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.
3. UK, countable, in plural, uncountable A school subject during which sports are practised. From time to time tracksuited boys ran past them, with all the deadly purpose and humourless concentration of those who enjoyed Games.
4. countable A particular instance of playing a game. Sally won the game.

   Similar: match

5. countable, uncountable Part of a set during which one player continuously serves (at least four rallies must be won to win a game, at least six games must be won to win the set). Game, set and match!
6. countable, uncountable That which is gained, such as the stake in a game.
7. countable, uncountable The number of points necessary to win a game. In short whist, five points are game, while in in table tennis game is 21 points.
8. countable, uncountable In some games, a point awarded to the player whose cards add up to the largest sum.
9. 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.
10. countable, uncountable One's manner, style, or performance in playing a game. Study can help your game of chess.
11. abbreviation, countable, ellipsis Ellipsis of video game There’s a sense here, as well as in games such as Limbo, that we’re making ourselves experience our children’s reality, trapped in the chaos that the adults have created.
12. countable, informal, singular, usually A field of gainful activity, as an industry or profession. When it comes to making sales, John is the best in the game.

    Similar: line

13. countable, informal, singular, uncountable, usually, with the The music industry. The rapper bragged about how he ran the game.

    Similar: line

14. countable, figuratively 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.
15. countable An exercise simulating warfare, whether computerized or involving human participants.

    Similar: wargame

16. 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?

    Similar: scheme, racket

17. uncountable Wild animals hunted for food. The forest has plenty of game.
18. countable, uncountable A flock of swans, especially as kept for hunting purposes (or, originally, a group of any animals kept for such purpose). A game of swans flew there and the water and the shore beneath were fouled with their greenwhite slime.
19. informal, uncountable, used mostly for men The ability to seduce or woo someone, usually by strategy. He didn't get anywhere with her because he had no game.

    Similar: rizz

20. archaic, countable, uncountable Lovemaking, flirtation.
21. countable, slang, uncountable Prostitution. (Now chiefly in on the game.) ſet them downe, / For ſlottiſh ſpoyles of opportunitie; / And daughters of the game.
22. slang, uncountable Mastery; the ability to excel at something. What is game? Who got game? / Where's the game in life, behind the game behind the game / I got game, she's got game / We got game, they got game, he got game
23. archaic, uncountable Diversion, entertainment. To ſet the minde on the racke of long meditation (you ſay) is a torment: to follow the ſwift foote of your hound alday long, hath no wearineſſe: what would you ſay of him that finds better game in his ſtudie, then you in the fielde, and would account your diſport his puniſhment? ſuch there are, thou

Similar: game

adjective gamer · gamest

1. colloquial Willing and able to participate. "[…] But what’s this long face about, Mr. Starbuck; wilt thou not chase the white whale? art not game for Moby Dick?”

   Similar: sporting, willing, daring, disposed, favorable, nervy, courageous, valiant · Opposite: cautious, disinclined

2. of an animal That shows a tendency to continue to fight against another animal, despite being wounded, often severely.
3. Persistent, especially in senses similar to the above.

verb games · gaming · gamed

1. intransitive To gamble. an impressive protest against gaming, swearing, and all immoral practices which might forfeit divine aid in the great struggle for National Independence
2. intransitive To play card games, board games, or video games. “The first few days after getting here are weird. It’s a version of cold turkey because you’ve been gaming around the clock and suddenly, nothing. […]”
3. 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.
4. slang, transitive, of males To perform premeditated seduction strategy. Returning briefly to his journalistic persona to interview Britney Spears, he finds himself gaming her, and she gives him her phone number.

adjective more game · most game

1. of a limb Injured, lame. You come with me and we'll have a cozy dinner and a pleasant talk together, and by that time your game ankle will carry you home very nicely, I am sure."