gaming

noun

gam·​ing ˈgā-miŋ How to pronounce gaming (audio)
1
: the practice or activity of playing games for stakes : gambling
After a six-decade absence, casino gaming makes its return next month to this Southern Indiana valley, once famous for luxury resorts that attracted the nation's elite.Michael Rubino
In the same way, casino owners almost never refer to "gambling," which brings to mind damp basements and dice, but always "gaming," which suggests Whist or Scrabble enjoyed in front of a crackling fireplace.Wayne Curtis
often used before another noun
the gaming industry
2
: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games)
online/mobile/PC gaming
When most people think of computer gaming, they envision some things that aren't exactly politically correct. Things like blazing lasers, spattering blood and beheaded aliens. However, Internet gaming really does offer something for everyone.Kim Komando
often used before another noun
You can get curved gaming monitors too, for added immersion in certain games.Jon Martindale
After looking through the gaming options, we decided on Quick Draw—a game that gives one participant a word to draw, while the other callers try to guess what the word is.Becca Miller

Examples of gaming in a Sentence

He does a lot of gaming online.
Recent Examples on the Web There are influencers at all levels that are invited to live experiences ranging from gaming influencers, hip-hop artists to high profile athletes such as Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. Jack Dunn, Variety, 25 Apr. 2024 That means more people than ever can jump into the world of retro gaming. David Nield, Popular Science, 25 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gaming 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gaming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of gaming was in 1501

Dictionary Entries Near gaming

Cite this Entry

“Gaming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaming. Accessed 3 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

gaming

noun
gam·​ing
ˈgā-miŋ
1
: the practice of gambling
2
: the acting out of a situation (as war) for training or testing
3
: the playing of video games

More from Merriam-Webster on gaming

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