tournament

noun

tour·​na·​ment ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt 

also ˈtər-

or ˈtȯr-

1

: a series of games or contests that make up a single unit of competition (as on a professional golf tour), the championship playoffs of a league or conference, or an invitational event

2

a

: a knightly sport of the Middle Ages between mounted combatants armed with blunted lances or swords and divided into two parties contesting for a prize or favor bestowed by the lady of the tournament

b

: the whole series of knightly sports, jousts, and tilts occurring at one time and place

Synonyms of tournament

• competition
• event
• game
• championship
• match
• contest
• tourney

Examples of tournament in a Sentence

She's an excellent tennis player who has won many tournaments.

a golf tournament in which professionals compete against amateurs

Recent Examples on the Web

That tournament boosted his profile to the public — but Villa boss Unai Emery had already been hooked during pre-match analysis before facing Manzambi’s Freiburg in the Europa League final. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Spicer scored in his third consecutive MLS match as both sides returned to MLS play after failing to advance in the Leagues Cup tournament. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2026

Ronaldo announced in July that the 2026 World Cup would mark his final year participating in the soccer tournament. — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026

The International Federation of American Football ran the championship tournament, which doubled up as a qualifier, in the German city of Düsseldorf. — ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tornement, from Anglo-French turneiement, from turneier

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing tournament

• pre-tournament

Kids Definition

tournament

noun

tour·​na·​ment ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt 

also ˈtər-

or ˈtȯr-

1

: a contest of skill and courage between knights wearing armor and fighting with blunted lances or swords

2

: a contest or series of contests played for a championship