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

The worldwide dance tournament hosted 16 dancers from across the country in a dance contest featuring eclectic styles and moves as the crowd judged the best dancers in head-to-head competitions all night. —Dominick Williams april 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026

On April 15, not too long ago, the Magic walked off the court in Philadelphia on the brink of elimination in the NBA play-in tournament. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026

As the tournament's field was finalized on Friday evening, the PGA Tour Communications X account shared the list of players who will be teeing it up in the inaugural Cadillac Championship. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Your effort in the conference tournament isn’t going to be good enough to win at the national level. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 26 Apr. 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