game [1]
n
1 an amusement or pastime; diversion
2 a contest with rules, the result being determined by skill, strength, or chance
3 a single period of play in such a contest, sport, etc.
4 the score needed to win a contest
5 a single contest in a series; match
6 pl; often cap an event consisting of various sporting contests, esp. in athletics
Olympic Games, Highland Games
7 equipment needed for playing certain games
8 short for →
computer game
9 style or ability in playing a game
he is a keen player but his game is not good
10 a scheme, proceeding, etc., practised like a game
the game of politics
11 an activity undertaken in a spirit of levity; joke
marriage is just a game to him
a wild animals, including birds and fish, hunted for sport, food, or profit
b (as modifier)
game laws
13 the flesh of such animals, used as food: generally taken not to include fish
14 an object of pursuit; quarry; prey (esp. in the phrase fair game)
15 Informal work or occupation
16 Informal a trick, strategy, or device
I can see through your little game
17 Obsolete pluck or courage; bravery
18 Slang (chiefly Brit) prostitution (esp. in the phrase on the game)
19 ♦
give the game away to reveal one's intentions or a secret
20 ♦
make (a) game of to make fun of; ridicule; mock
21 ♦
on (or off) one's game playing well (or badly)
22 ♦
play the game to behave fairly or in accordance with rules
23 ♦
the game is up there is no longer a chance of success
adj
24 Informal full of fighting spirit; plucky; brave
25 ♦
(as) game as Ned Kelly (Austral)
informal extremely brave; indomitable
26 usually foll by: for
Informal prepared or ready; willing
I'm game for a try
vb
27 intr to play games of chance for money, stakes, etc.; gamble
(Old English gamen; related to Old Norse gaman, Old High German gaman amusement)
♦
gamelike adj
