Game: meaning, definitions and examples

A game is usually a structured form of play, often undertaken for entertainment or fun. It can also refer to video games or board games.

• Let's play a game of chess.
• The children are outside playing a game of tag.

An activity is any action or task that is carried out, often for a specific purpose or for recreation.

• Yoga is a relaxing activity that helps reduce stress.
• The teacher prepared a fun activity for the class.

A sport is a physical activity involving skill and physical exertion, often governed by a set of rules and engaged in competitively.

• Soccer is my favorite sport to watch and play.
• Tennis is a sport that requires a lot of practice and endurance.

A competition involves participants striving to outperform each other, often in sports, games, or other contests. It carries a more serious and competitive connotation.

• She won the singing competition last year.
• The competition between the two teams is fierce.

Wild animals hunted for food or sport.

• The hunter brought back some game from the forest
• Game preserves help protect endangered species

A plan, often secret or dishonest, intended to achieve a particular goal. Has a negative connotation.

• They uncovered a scheme to cheat the company out of millions
• She was part of a scheme to manipulate the stock market

The sequence of events in a story, book, or movie.

• The plot of the novel was full of twists and turns
• She couldn't follow the plot of the complicated movie

Used to describe an activity that people do for fun or competition. It has a neutral and often positive connotation.

• We played a fun game of chess last night.
• The children were excited to start their new video game.

Used when someone breaks rules to gain an unfair advantage. It carries a strongly negative connotation.

• He cheated on the exam and got caught.
• It's not fair to cheat in a game; it ruins the fun for everyone.

Used when someone uses a clever or sneaky action to fool someone else. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation depending on the intent.

• He played a trick on his sister by hiding her keys.
• Magicians use tricks to entertain their audience.

Used when someone intends to mislead or lie to another person. It has a serious and negative connotation.

• She deceived her friend by lying about where she had been.
• It's wrong to deceive people for personal gain.