A game

noun

Phrases
one's A game
: one's highest level of play or performance
If we don't bring our A game with us, we don't have a chance.Tom Kelly, quoted in New York Times, 14 Aug. 2001
… let me tell you something: I can still pitch. I might not have my A game every night, but like I tell the young guys, you've got to go and win when things don't feel just right.Roger Clemens, quoted in Sports Illustrated, 31 Mar. 1997

Word History

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of A game was in 1993

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near A game

Cite this Entry

“A game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/A%20game. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!