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

On game day, the cheerleaders arrived five hours early for a full run-through of their routines. — Raymond Braun, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

The Rams also gifted Okatsuka with a customized uniform for game day. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026

Beer Cheese Soup Beer Cheese Soup is our go-to for holiday parties and game days. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Oct. 2026

Under that unique arrangement between the league, team and venue, the Jaguars are responsible for game day staffing, vendors, operations, ticketing, concessions and more. — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above