waiting game

noun

wait·​ing game ˈwā-tiŋ- How to pronounce waiting game (audio)
: a strategy in which one or more participants withhold action temporarily in the hope of having a favorable opportunity for more effective action later

Examples of waiting game in a Sentence

Until they make their decision, we're just playing a waiting game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But then the waiting game began. Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026 That lesson should have been learned as the Trail Blazers played their waiting game with Damian Lillard. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026 Every rocket launch begins with a waiting game. Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Apr. 2026 Until, of course, everything resets, and the waiting game begins again. Rebecca Rosman, NPR, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for waiting game

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waiting game was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waiting game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiting%20game. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster