cribbage

noun crib·bage \ ˈkri-bij \

|Updated on: 28 Apr 2018

Editor's Note: Did You Know?

Definition of cribbage

: a card game for two players in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards

See cribbage defined for English-language learners

See cribbage defined for kids

Recent Examples of cribbage from the Web

NORTH COUNTY Seniors invited to play in cribbage tournament The next Senior Challenge Cribbage match will be held at 12:15 p.m. Thursday at the Vista Elks Lodge, 1947 E. Vista Way, Vista.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Honor Court held for Eagle Scouts in RSF," 16 Feb. 2018
In keeping with the neighborhood feel, the bar also hosts many fun events, including pool leagues, horseshoe leagues, cribbage tournaments, live music and more.

— geoff bruce, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Discover a hidden neighborhood bar at Spanky's in Mequon," 2 Apr. 2018
The tournament is open to anyone who likes to play cribbage.

— linda mcintosh, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Honor Court held for Eagle Scouts in RSF," 16 Feb. 2018
Play simple throwback games like cards or cribbage (or your favorite game while enjoying a long weekend up north).

— alysha witwicki, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Celebrate summer's end with a casual get-together," 2 Sep. 2017
Send tips, comments, and Carrie Coon’s cribbage board to rebecca_keegan@condenast.com.

— rebecca keegan, vanityfair.com, "Why Hollywood Still Underestimates Black Films," 19 June 2017
Send tips, comments, and Carrie Coon’s cribbage board to rebecca_keegan@condenast.com.

— rebecca keegan, HWD, "Why Hollywood Still Underestimates Black Films," 19 June 2017
In between cribbage hands the customers ask about Marleau’s future and San Jose.

— mike guersch, The Mercury News, "Tracing San Jose Sharks’ Patrick Marleau’s humble roots," 24 Jan. 2017
The memorial to Darby, 61 and longtime co-owner of Coach’s Bar & Grill nearby, included a cribbage board, cycling jersey and a large shamrock made of foil.

— rick montgomery, glenn e. rice and ian cummings, kansascity.com, "After four slayings, anxiety stalks trails in south Kansas City," 4 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cribbage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

Cribbage is a card game, usually for two players, in which each player tries to form various counting combinations of cards. Each player receives six cards, and the score is kept by moving pegs on a narrow rectangular board. (There is also a five-card variant, as well as four-hand and three-hand variants.) Cribbage was invented by the 17th-cent. English poet and courtier John Suckling. The rules of play, though somewhat involved, are simple enough to make cribbage a popular pastime, particularly in Britain and the United States. The game usually ends at 121 (twice around the board plus one).