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Gaming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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gaming

[ˈɡeɪmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

online

The act or practice of playing games for entertainment.

Synonyms

betting, gambling, playing games.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gaming

Refers to playing video or computer games. Used in a neutral or positive sense, especially when talking about a hobby or industry.

  • He spent his weekend gaming with his friends.
  • The gaming industry has seen significant growth in recent years.
playing games

Used to describe the activity of engaging in any kind of game, whether it is video games or traditional games. It has a neutral or positive sense, often referring to casual or recreational activities.

  • The kids spent the afternoon playing games in the park.
  • I enjoy playing games on my phone during my commute.
gambling

Refers to staking money on games of chance or uncertain outcomes. Often has a negative connotation due to associations with addiction and financial loss.

  • She lost a lot of money through gambling.
  • Gambling can be addictive if not done responsibly.
betting

Involves staking money on the outcome of an event, such as sports events. It usually has a neutral connotation, though can be perceived negatively if it becomes excessive.

  • He enjoys betting on football matches.
  • Betting has been his hobby ever since he was young.

Examples of usage

  • Online gaming has become increasingly popular in recent years.
  • Many people enjoy gaming as a way to relax and unwind after a long day.
Context #2 | Noun

video

The activity of playing electronic games, especially video games.

Synonyms

electronic gaming, playing video games, video gaming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gaming

Use 'gaming' when referring to the general act of playing games, usually on electronic devices, but it can also include tabletop games. This term is broad and encompasses many types of games.

  • Gaming has become a popular hobby among teenagers.
  • The rise of mobile gaming has changed the industry.
video gaming

Use 'video gaming' to refer to the practice of playing video games. It can be used similarly to 'gaming' but specifically indicates that the games are video-based.

  • Video gaming has become a huge industry worldwide.
  • Competitive video gaming, or esports, has gained a large following.
electronic gaming

Use 'electronic gaming' when specifically referring to games played on electronic devices like computers, consoles, or mobile phones. It emphasizes the use of technology.

  • Electronic gaming consoles like the Xbox and PlayStation are incredibly popular.
  • The history of electronic gaming goes back several decades.
playing video games

Use 'playing video games' when describing the act of engaging in video games specifically. This term is straightforward and commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • He spends hours playing video games every weekend.
  • Playing video games can be a way to relax after a long day.

Examples of usage

  • She spends hours each day gaming on her computer.
  • Video gaming has become a major industry worldwide.
Context #3 | Noun

console

The act of playing video games on a gaming console.

Synonyms

console gaming, playing on console.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gaming

As mentioned earlier, this general term can be repeated in different sentences to reflect the broad activity of playing video games.

  • Gaming is a great way to relieve stress after a long day.
  • They bonded over their shared love for gaming and started a community together.
playing on console

This phrase is used to highlight that the gaming is being done on a console. It’s a descriptive way to ensure that the platform is specified.

  • Playing on console is much easier for me than using a PC.
  • She enjoys playing on console because it feels more user-friendly and accessible.
console gaming

Specifically refers to playing video games on a console such as PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. This term is ideal when you want to differentiate gaming on consoles from gaming on other platforms.

  • I prefer console gaming because I enjoy the exclusive titles available on PlayStation.
  • Console gaming has a more immersive experience due to the better graphics and controllers.

Examples of usage

  • Console gaming has its own dedicated fan base.
  • Some people prefer console gaming over PC gaming.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • The gaming industry generates more revenue than the film and music industries combined, highlighting its significance in modern entertainment.
  • Esports, or competitive gaming, has gained massive popularity, with tournaments attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
  • Gaming conventions, such as E3 and PAX, have become major cultural events, where fans gather to celebrate and explore new games.

Mental Health

  • Playing video games has been shown to improve cognitive skills, including problem-solving and hand-eye coordination.
  • Many studies suggest that gaming can provide a way to relieve stress and anxiety, offering an escape from real-world problems.
  • Social gaming fosters community and friendships, as players connect with others around the world through shared interests.

Technology

  • Advances in technology have transformed gaming from simple pixelated games to immersive virtual reality experiences.
  • Mobile gaming has surged in popularity, making games accessible to a diverse audience via smartphones and tablets.
  • The development of online gaming platforms has allowed millions to play together in real time, breaking geographical barriers.

Art and Design

  • Video games are increasingly seen as a form of digital art, combining storytelling, visual design, and music.
  • Game designers often draw inspiration from various artistic movements, allowing for a blend of unique aesthetics in gameplay.
  • Narrative-driven games have gained acclaim for their storytelling, creating emotional experiences that resonate with players.

Origin of 'gaming'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'gaming' originated in the 17th century from 'game', meaning to play or engage in a game.
  • It evolved to encompass not only physical games but also electronic and digital formats with the rise of technology.
  • In the 1980s, 'gaming' began to be associated more with video games as home consoles became popular.

The word 'gaming' originated from the Middle English word 'game', which has roots in the Old English word 'gamen'. The concept of gaming for entertainment has been around for centuries, with various forms of games evolving over time. In the modern era, gaming has become a popular form of entertainment, with the rise of video games and online gaming platforms.

See also: gamer, gamers, gamey.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,065, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.