Game
/ɡeɪm/
Definitions
4 meaningsAn activity or sport that people play for fun, usually with rules.
/ɡeɪm/
A form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules.
We played a board game with the family.
💡 Simply: A game is something you do for fun, maybe with a ball or a controller, where there are rules to follow. Imagine playing tag or a video game – that's a game!
👶 For kids: A game is something you play for fun! Like hide-and-seek or a video game.
More Examples
The children were excited to attend the baseball game.
She spent hours playing a new video game.
How It's Used
"The soccer game ended in a tie."
"He enjoys playing video games."
A situation involving competition, strategy, and potential risk or reward.
/ɡeɪm/
A competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance.
The company is struggling to stay ahead in the competitive game.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a competition, but not necessarily a sport. It could be about trying to get ahead, like in business or even in relationships. It’s about the ups and downs and how well you play the ‘rules’!
👶 For kids: Sometimes 'game' can mean trying to win or do better than someone else, like in a competition.
More Examples
He decided to play the negotiation game to get the best deal.
She's always been good at the political game.
How It's Used
"The marketing game is always changing."
"He's good at the dating game."
Wild animals that are hunted for food or sport.
/ɡeɪm/
Wild animals or birds hunted for sport or food.
The chef prepared a game pie for the special occasion.
💡 Simply: It's all about the animals that hunters chase, like deer, rabbits, or birds. If you eat it, it's usually called 'game meat'.
👶 For kids: When we talk about 'game', it can also be the animals that people hunt.
More Examples
The hunting season for game animals begins in the fall.
The forest was teeming with game.
How It's Used
"The hunter tracked the game through the forest."
"The restaurant served a delicious game stew."
To participate in games or gambling activities.
/ɡeɪm/
To play games or gamble.
She spent the entire afternoon gaming with her friends.
💡 Simply: This is when you're playing video games or trying your luck at a casino. It's all about play or a bit of chance.
👶 For kids: If you 'game', it means you're playing video games!
More Examples
He likes to game at the casino on weekends.
They were gaming together until late at night.
How It's Used
"They spent the evening gaming online."
"He enjoys gaming at the casino."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
the game is up
The deception or plan has been discovered.
"The police arrived, and the game was up for the robbers."
play the game
To behave according to a set of rules or conventions.
"To succeed in the corporate world, you have to play the game."
game on!
An expression used to signify that an activity or competition is beginning or about to begin.
"The coach shouted 'Game on!' to signal the start of the second half."
From Old English *gamen* 'joy, amusement, fun', from Proto-Germanic *ga- 'together' + *man- 'man'. Evolved to include competitive activities and contests.
The word 'game' has existed since Old English, initially referring to amusement and play. Its meaning evolved to encompass competition and later, hunting.
Memory tip
Think of the 'game' of life; it has rules and can be fun, exciting, or challenging!
Word Origin
"joy, amusement, fun"