1. n., adj., & v.
--n.
1. a form or spell of play or sport, esp. a competitive one played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck.
2 a single portion of play forming a scoring unit in some contests, e.g. bridge or tennis.
3 (in pl.) a athletics or sports as organized in a school etc. b a meeting for athletic etc. contests (Olympic Games).
4 a winning score in a game; the state of the score in a game (the game is two all).
5 the equipment for a game.
6 one's level of achievement in a game, as specified (played a good game).
7 a a piece of fun; a jest (was only playing a game with you). b (in pl.) dodges, tricks (none of your games!).
8 a scheme or undertaking etc. regarded as a game (so that's your game).
9 a policy or line of action.
10 (collect.) a wild animals or birds hunted for sport or food. b the flesh of these.
11 a hunted animal; a quarry or object of pursuit or attack.
12 a kept flock of swans.
--adj.
1. spirited; eager and willing.
2 (foll. by for, or to + infin.) having the spirit or energy; eagerly prepared.
--v.intr. play at games of chance for money; gamble.
Phrases and idioms:
the game is up the scheme is revealed or foiled. game plan esp. US
1. a winning strategy worked out in advance for a particular match.
2 a plan of campaign, esp. in politics. game point Tennis etc. a point which, if won, would win the game. game (or games) theory the mathematical analysis of conflict in war, economics, games of skill, etc. game-warden an official locally supervising game and hunting. gaming-house a place frequented for gambling; a casino. gaming-table a table used for gambling. make game (or a game) of mock, taunt. off (or on) one's game playing badly (or well). on the game Brit. sl. involved in prostitution or thieving. play the game behave fairly or according to the rules.
Derivatives:
gamely adv. gameness n. gamester n.
Etymology: OE gamen 2. adj. (of a leg, arm, etc.) lame, crippled.
Etymology: 18th-c. dial.: orig. unkn.