Gamer: meaning, definitions and examples

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gamer

[ ˈɡeɪmər ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

video games

A person who plays video games, typically as a hobby or profession. Gamers can enjoy a wide variety of video game genres, from action and adventure to simulation and sports.

Synonyms

player, videogamer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gamer	Typically used to describe someone who is passionate about playing video games, often as a hobby and over various platforms such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices. It carries a broad and somewhat informal tone. As a dedicated gamer, she spends most of her weekends playing MMORPGs with her friends. Being a gamer, he always stays updated with the latest game releases and trends.
player	This term has a more general meaning and can refer to anyone who participates in any kind of game, including sports or board games, not just video games. It is a broad term without specific connotations. He's a skilled chess player and often competes in local tournaments. Being a basketball player, she practices daily with her team.
videogamer	A more specific term, often used to clearly specify that the individual plays video games, helping to avoid any confusion with other types of players. It emphasizes the electronic aspect of the games. As a videogamer, he has an impressive collection of classic console games. Videogamers often spend hours perfecting their skills in various digital worlds.

Word

Description / Examples

gamer

Typically used to describe someone who is passionate about playing video games, often as a hobby and over various platforms such as PC, consoles, or mobile devices. It carries a broad and somewhat informal tone.

As a dedicated gamer, she spends most of her weekends playing MMORPGs with her friends.
Being a gamer, he always stays updated with the latest game releases and trends.

player

This term has a more general meaning and can refer to anyone who participates in any kind of game, including sports or board games, not just video games. It is a broad term without specific connotations.

He's a skilled chess player and often competes in local tournaments.
Being a basketball player, she practices daily with her team.

videogamer

A more specific term, often used to clearly specify that the individual plays video games, helping to avoid any confusion with other types of players. It emphasizes the electronic aspect of the games.

As a videogamer, he has an impressive collection of classic console games.
Videogamers often spend hours perfecting their skills in various digital worlds.

Examples of usage

She is a dedicated gamer who spends hours playing online multiplayer games.
Many gamers participate in competitive gaming tournaments to showcase their skills.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

board games

A person who plays board games, such as chess, Monopoly, or Settlers of Catan. Gamers who enjoy board games often appreciate strategic thinking and social interaction.

Synonyms

board gamer, tabletop gamer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
gamer	Use when referring to someone who plays video games. This is a general term that can cover all types of players from casual to hardcore. My brother is a big gamer; he spends hours playing on his console. Many gamers are excited about the release of the new RPG.
board gamer	Use when referring to someone who enjoys playing board games. This term specifically implies an interest in traditional, physical board games. She is an avid board gamer and has a huge collection of strategy games. Board gamers often gather for game nights to play classics like Monopoly or new strategy games.
tabletop gamer	Use when referring to someone who plays tabletop games, which can include board games, card games, and tabletop role-playing games (RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons). As a tabletop gamer, he loves designing custom campaigns for his friends. Tabletop gamers often prefer social interactions and strategic thinking over digital gaming.

Word

Description / Examples

gamer

Use when referring to someone who plays video games. This is a general term that can cover all types of players from casual to hardcore.

My brother is a big gamer; he spends hours playing on his console.
Many gamers are excited about the release of the new RPG.

board gamer

Use when referring to someone who enjoys playing board games. This term specifically implies an interest in traditional, physical board games.

She is an avid board gamer and has a huge collection of strategy games.
Board gamers often gather for game nights to play classics like Monopoly or new strategy games.

tabletop gamer

Use when referring to someone who plays tabletop games, which can include board games, card games, and tabletop role-playing games (RPGs like Dungeons & Dragons).

As a tabletop gamer, he loves designing custom campaigns for his friends.
Tabletop gamers often prefer social interactions and strategic thinking over digital gaming.

Examples of usage

He is a board gamer who hosts game nights with friends regularly.
Board gamers often collect various board games to expand their collection.

Translations

Translations of the word "gamer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jogador

🇮🇳 गेमर

🇩🇪 Spieler

🇮🇩 pemain

🇺🇦 гравець

🇵🇱 gracz

🇯🇵 ゲーマー

🇫🇷 joueur

🇪🇸 jugador

🇹🇷 oyuncu

🇰🇷 게이머

🇸🇦 لاعب

🇨🇿 hráč

🇸🇰 hráč

🇨🇳 玩家

🇸🇮 igralec

🇮🇸 leikmaður

🇰🇿 ойыншы

🇬🇪 მოსამართებელი

🇦🇿 oyunçu

🇲🇽 jugador

Etymology

The term 'gamer' originated in the 1980s with the rise of video game culture. Initially used to describe individuals who were avid players of arcade games, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of gaming activities, including console, PC, and mobile gaming. Today, gamers form a diverse community that spans different ages, genders, and backgrounds, united by their passion for interactive entertainment.