Noun

Singular game

Plural countable and uncountable; plural games

game (countable and uncountable; plural games)

1. (countable) A pursuit or activity with rules performed either alone or with others, for the purpose of entertainment.

   Shall we play a game?

2. (in plural games) Sport played in a lesson at school.
3. (uncountable) Wild animals hunted for food.

   The forest has plenty of game.

4. (countable) The entire being of an industry, activity or profession.

   When it comes to making sales, John is the best in the game.

Synonyms

• (activity performed for entertainment): pastime, play, recreation, frolic, sport, diversion, fun, amusement, merriment, festivity, entertainment, spree, prank, lark, gambol, merrymaking, gaiety

Antonyms

• (activity performed for entertainment): drudgery, work, toil, sadness, labor, uneasiness, grief, sorrow

Hyponyms

• See also Wikisaurus:game

Derived terms

• board game
• card game
• computer game
• drinking game
• endgame
• game club
• game for a laugh
• game of chance
• game of skill
• game of strategy
• game on
• game over
• game plan
• game rage
• game show
• game theory
• gamecock

• gamely
• gameplay
• gamer
• gamesmanship
• gamey, gamy
• guessing game
• mind game
• on the game
• parlour game
• party game
• role-playing game
• strategy game
• two can play that game
• video game
• war game
• word game

A game is a structured activity, usually undertaken for enjoyment and sometimes used as an educational tool. Games are distinct from work, which is usually carried out for remuneration, and from art, which is more concerned with the expression of ideas. However, the distinction is not clear-cut, and many games are also considered to be work (such as professional players of spectator sports/games) or art (such as jigsaw puzzles or games involving an artistic layout such as Mah-jongg solitaire).

Key components of games are goals, rules, challenge, and interaction. Games generally involve mental or physical stimulation, and often both. Many games help develop practical skills, serve as a form of exercise, or otherwise perform an educational, simulational or psychological role. According to Chris Crawford, the requirement for player interaction puts activities such as jigsaw puzzles and solitaire "games" into the category of puzzles rather than games.

Attested as early as 2600 BC, games are a universal part of human experience and present in all cultures. The Royal Game of Ur, Senet, and Mancala are some of the oldest known games.