an amusement or pastime

children's games.

the material or equipment used in playing certain games

a store selling toys and games.

a competitive activity involving skill, chance, or endurance on the part of two or more persons who play according to a set of rules, usually for their own amusement or for that of spectators.

a single occasion of such an activity, or a definite portion of one

the final game of the season; a rubber of three games at bridge.

the number of points required to win a game.

the score at a particular stage in a game

With five minutes to play, the game was 7 to

a particular manner or style of playing a game

Her game of chess is improving.

anything resembling a game, as in requiring skill, endurance, or adherence to rules

the game of diplomacy.

a trick or strategy

to see through someone's game.

fun; sport of any kind; joke

That's about enough of your games.

wild animals, including birds and fishes, such as are hunted for food or taken for sport or profit.

the flesh of such wild animals or other game, used as food

a dish of game.

any object of pursuit, attack, abuse, etc.

The new boy at school seemed to be fair game for practical jokers.

Informal . a business or profession

He's in the real-estate game.

Archaic . fighting spirit; pluck.

pertaining to or composed of animals hunted or taken as game or to their flesh.

having a fighting spirit; plucky.

Informal . having the required spirit or will (often fol. by for or an infinitive)

Who's game for a hike through the woods?

to play games of chance for stakes; gamble.

to squander in gaming (usually fol. by away ). ?

die game

to die after a brave struggle.

to remain steadfast or in good spirits at the moment of defeat

He knew that as a candidate he didn't have a chance in the world, but he campaigned anyway and died game.

make game of

to make fun of; ridicule

to make game of the weak and defenseless.

play games, to act in an evasive, deceitful, manipulative

or trifling manner in dealing with others

Don't play games with meI want to know if you love me or not!

play the game

Informal .

to act or play in accordance with the rules.

to act honorably or justly

We naively assumed that our allies would continue to play the game.

adjective

afraid , cautious , cowardly , disinclined , fearful , unprepared , unready , unwilling , able , capable , working

adjective

bold , courageous , dauntless , desirous , disposed , dogged , eager , fearless , gallant , hardy , heroic , inclined , interested , intrepid , nervy * , persevering , persistent , plucky * , prepared , ready , resolute , spirited , spunky , unafraid , unflinching , up for , valiant , valorous , ailing , bad , crippled , deformed , disabled , incapacitated , injured , lame , maimed , weak , audacious , doughty , fortitudinous , mettlesome , plucky , stout , stouthearted , undaunted , acquiescent , agreeable , minded

noun

adventure , amusement , athletics , business , distraction , diversion , enterprise , festivity , frolic , fun , jest , joke , lark , line , merriment , merrymaking , occupation , pastime , plan , play , proceeding , pursuit , recreation , romp , scheme , sport , sports , undertaking , competition , contest , match , meeting , round , tournament , chase , fish , fowl , kill , meat , prey , quarry , ravin , victim , wild animals , butt , derision , design , device , hoax , object of ridicule , ploy , practical joke , prank , stratagem , strategy , tactic

verb

gamble , lay , play , wager