game day

noun

variants or less commonly gameday

ˈgām-ˌdā 

plural game days also gamedays

: the day on which a particular sports team plays a game

Scan the parking lot of any sports arena on game day and you're sure to see a flock of pickup trucks and SUVs hosting a big party of tailgaters.

—Joe Bruzek

Even on game days, whether you're starting or not, if your name's on the list, you have a job to do.

—Julie Foundy

[Coach Chris] Jans and his players have both pondered the gap between gamedays and training, and why the positive attitude and strong weeks of practice haven't shown up on court when the lights turn on …

—Colin Damms

These 13 game day snacks are the kind you can rely on whether folks are dropping by early or sticking around longer than planned.

—Jenn Allen

Gameday traditions, including tailgating and the pregame experience, are an important part of what makes Michigan State football gamedays special.

—J Batt

—often hyphenated when used before another noun

Dress in your favorite game-day attire.

—Lauren Cheramie

Examples of game day in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There is still the possibility the Panthers opt to elevate Thornton off the practice squad and onto the game day roster ahead of Sunday. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026

Meet Allison Kaye, a makeup artist whose entire business is traveling around the country getting athletes' wives and girlfriends glammed up for game day. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2026

Through an agreement with Sentrycs, the company will control the skies in and around the Jaguars’ stadium on game days. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Chocolate Chip Cannoli Dessert Dip Every game day needs a dip, and this cannoli dip would be the perfect treat to celebrate your team’s touchdown. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above