I. ˈgām noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English gamen; akin to Old High German gaman amusement
Date: before 12th century
1.
a.
(1) : activity engaged in for diversion or amusement : play
(2) : the equipment for a game
b. : often derisive or mocking jesting : fun , sport
make game of a nervous player
2.
a. : a procedure or strategy for gaining an end : tactic
b. : an illegal or shady scheme or maneuver : racket
3.
a.
(1) : a physical or mental competition conducted according to rules with the participants in direct opposition to each other
(2) : a division of a larger contest
(3) : the number of points necessary to win
(4) : points scored in certain card games (as in all fours) by a player whose cards count up the highest
(5) : the manner of playing in a contest
(6) : the set of rules governing a game
(7) : a particular aspect or phase of play in a game or sport
a football team's kicking game
b. plural : organized athletics
c.
(1) : a field of gainful activity : line
the newspaper game
(2) : any activity undertaken or regarded as a contest involving rivalry, strategy, or struggle
the dating game
the game of politics
also : the course or period of such an activity
got into aviation early in the game
(3) : area of expertise : specialty 3
comedy is not my game
4.
a.
(1) : animals under pursuit or taken in hunting ; especially : wild animals hunted for sport or food
(2) : the flesh of game animals
b. archaic : pluck
c. : a target or object especially of ridicule or attack — often used in the phrase fair game
Synonyms: see fun
• game·like -līk adjective
II. verb
( gamed ; gam·ing )
Date: 1512
intransitive verb
: to play for a stake
transitive verb
1. archaic : to lose or squander by gambling
2. : to take dishonest advantage of : cheat
game the tax system
III. adjective
Date: 1610
1.
a. : having or showing a resolute unyielding spirit
game to the end
b. : willing or ready to proceed
were game for anything
2. : of or relating to game
game laws
• game·ly adverb
• game·ness noun
IV. adjective
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: circa 1787
: lame
a game leg