A1noun1K

Game

UK /["/ɡeɪm/"]/US /["/ɡeɪm/"]/

Definition

an activity that you do to have fun, often one that has rules and that you can win or lose; the equipment for a game

In simple words: An activity for fun or competition.

Examples

  • We played a fun game of soccer at the park last weekend.
  • He always wins the board game every time we play.
  • The game starts at 7 PM, so we need to arrive early.
  • They are developing a new video game that will be released next year.
  • She has a strategy to improve her game in tennis.

Usage notes

Used in various contexts, from board games to video games. Informal usage among friends is common, while 'game' can appear in more formal contexts discussing sports or competitions. Avoid using it to describe serious situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'game' of chess to remember it — it’s strategic and competitive.

Collocations

  • ball
  • board
  • card
  • learn
  • create
  • design
  • player
  • designer
  • developer
  • ball
  • board
  • card
  • learn
  • create
  • design
  • player
  • designer
  • developer
  • big
  • close
  • tight
  • have
  • play
  • lose
  • game against
  • game with
  • game of
  • fine
  • good
  • great
  • have
  • play
  • pitch
  • winner
  • Commonwealth
  • Olympic
  • etc.
  • compete in
  • participate in
  • take part in
  • be in
  • enter
  • game of
  • all part of the game
  • new to this game
  • little
  • silly
  • stupid
  • play
  • put an end to
  • give away

Synonyms

  • match
  • competition
  • contest
  • activity
  • sport

Antonyms

  • work
  • seriousness

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'game' with 'play' — 'play' is a verb.
  • Using 'games' when referring to a single instance — use 'game' for one.
  • Mixing up game types (e.g., referring to a board game as a video game).