noun
plural games
[count] a physical or mental activity or contest that has rules and that people do for pleasure
a particular occurrence of a game
one of the games that are part of a larger contest (such as a tennis match)
She won the first two games, but lost the set and the match. - see also ball game, board game, fun and games, guessing game, parlor game, perfect game, return game, shell game, video game game of chance at 1chance game of skill at skill
games [plural]
playful activities
b or Games :an organized series of athletic contests specifically; :the Olympics
[singular] :the way someone plays in a sport
[count] :a skill that is used in playing a particular game or sport
[count] an activity that is being compared to a game or contest
He's trying to beat them at their own game. [=he's trying to gain an advantage over them by using the same methods that they use]
the mating game [=the effort to find a sexual partner] - see also waiting game, war game the name of the game at 1name
a type of work :a business or profession
[count] :something that is not meant to be taken seriously
[count] :a usually dishonest or unfair plan for doing something
To give the game away is to make a secret plan or activity known.
If the game is up, a dishonest plan or activity has been discovered and will no longer be allowed to continue.
[noncount] :animals that are hunted
wild game
a game warden [=a person who makes sure that hunting and fishing laws are obeyed] - often used figuratively
The police aren't interested in these small-time drug dealers; they're after much bigger game. - see also big game
ahead of the game
in a position or situation in which you are likely to succeed, win, etc.
The company has stayed ahead of the game by meeting new government standards before they go into effect.
early/late in the game
at an early/late time in a game or sport
It's too late in the game to change the date of the meeting. [=it's no longer reasonable to change the date; the meeting is too soon for the date to be changed]
got game
In informal U.S. English, someone who has got game is very good at playing a particular game or sport, such as basketball.
head/mind games
actions that are meant to confuse or upset someone in order to get an advantage
on the game
Brit informal :working as a prostitute
on/off your game
If you are on your game, you are playing a sport or game well; if you are off your game, you are playing poorly.
Sorry I missed that shot. I'm off my game today. [=I'm not playing as well as I usually do] These phrases are also used figuratively.
play games
to treat someone in a dishonest or unfair way in order to get an advantage
to behave in a way that is not serious
the only game in town
the only available, desirable, or valuable thing
For serious home cooks, this stove is the only game in town. [=it is the only stove that serious home cooks should want to have]
Our company is no longer the only game in town. [=we now have competition; another company/business is doing what we do]
adjective
gamer; -est
willing or ready to do something
showing a willingness to work hard, keep trying, etc. :showing determination