noun

1. any form of play or way of playing; amusement; recreation; sport; frolic; play
2. 1. any specific contest, engagement, amusement, computer simulation, or sport involving physical or mental competition under specific rules, as football, chess, or war games
   2. a single contest in such a competition to win two out of three games
   3. Tennis a subdivision of a set (), consisting of a series of at least four consecutive serves by a single player
   4. a subdivision of any of certain other contests
3. 1. the number of points required for winning the game is 25
   2. the score at any given point in a competition at the half the game was 7 to 6
4. that which is gained by winning; victory; win
5. a set of equipment for a competitive amusement to sell toys and games
6. a way or quality of playing in competition to play a good game
7. any test of skill, courage, or endurance the game of life
8. a project; scheme; plan to see through another's game
9. 1. wild birds or animals hunted for sport or for use as food
   2. the flesh of such creatures used as food
10. fair game (sense )
11. Informal a business or vocation, esp. one with an element of risk the stock-market game

Etymology: ME < OE gamen, akin to OFris game, OHG gaman < ? IE base *gwhemb-, to leap merrily

intransitive verb gamed, gaming gam′·ing

adjective

1. designating or of wild birds or animals hunted for sport or for use as food
2. gamer gam′er, gamest gam′·est
   1. plucky; courageous
   2. having enough spirit or enthusiasm; ready (for something)