noun

game

GAYM

noun

An activity played for entertainment or competition, following a set of rules.

"The kids invented a new game using just a ball and some chalk."

"They watched the football game together every Sunday."

Wild animals hunted for food or sport.

"The lodge served game such as venison and pheasant."

adj

Willing and ready to take part in something, especially something risky or new.

"I'm game for trying that new restaurant if you are."

Showing determination to keep going despite injury or difficulty.

"Even with a twisted ankle, she stayed game until the final whistle."

verb

To manipulate or exploit the rules of a system for personal advantage.

"Some companies game the tax code to avoid paying their fair share."

How to Use Game

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCan mean a structured activity played for fun or competition, or (as an adjective) being willing to try something.

Common mistake

"Game" as an adjective meaning "willing" ("I'm game") is informal — don't use it in formal writing.

Common pairings

play a game game for it game the system a game leg

gamer comparative, more game comparative, gamed past tense, games singular, gamest superlative, most game superlative

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The kids invented a new _____ using just a ball and some chalk.

From Old English gamen, meaning "sport, joy, amusement" — related to "gammon" and "gamble".

name came dame same fame tame lame flame blame frame shame aflame