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

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above