noun
Uncommon
gamer
GAY-muh
Gamer (noun) means a person who plays video games regularly, often as a serious hobby. Example: “She's a competitive gamer who streams her matches online.”
noun
1
A person who plays video games regularly, often as a serious hobby.
"She's a competitive gamer who streams her matches online."
"Gamers around the world tuned in for the tournament finals."
2
More broadly, anyone who enjoys playing games of any kind.
"Board game night attracts all kinds of gamers, not just video game fans."
How to use gamer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who plays games, especially video games, as a defining hobby or identity.
Common pairings
a competitive gamer
a casual gamer
gamer culture
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Word forms
- Plural
- gamers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's a competitive _____ who streams her matches online.
Etymology
From game + the agent suffix -er; the word predates video games by centuries but is now most associated with them.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for gamer
See all rhymes for gamer →Frequently asked questions
What does “gamer” mean?
The word “gamer” means a person who plays video games regularly, often as a serious hobby. In plain terms, someone who plays games, especially video games, as a defining hobby or identity.
How do you pronounce “gamer”?
“Gamer” is pronounced GAY-muh (/ˈɡeɪ̯mɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gamer” in a sentence?
Here is “gamer” used in a sentence: “She's a competitive gamer who streams her matches online.”
What part of speech is “gamer”?
“Gamer” is a noun.
Is “gamer” a common word?
“Gamer” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gamer” have?
“Gamer” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who plays video games regularly, often as a serious hobby.
What is the difference between a gamer and someone who just plays video games occasionally?
A gamer typically refers to someone who plays video games regularly and treats it as a serious hobby, whereas an occasional player may only game casually without the same level of engagement or identity tied to the activity. The term often implies a degree of skill or dedication.
Does gamer only refer to video games?
While gamer most commonly refers to video game players, the term can more broadly describe anyone who enjoys playing games of any kind, including board games or card games, depending on context.
Is gamer a term people use to describe themselves proudly?
Yes, many people who play video games regularly adopt gamer as a positive self-identifier, reflecting enthusiasm and community around the hobby rather than any negative connotation.
