noun
Very common
Games
Games (noun) means the Olympic Games, or a similarly large multi-sport competition. Example: “She won three medals at the Games in Tokyo.”
noun
1
The Olympic Games, or a similarly large multi-sport competition.
"She won three medals at the Games in Tokyo."
"Tickets for the opening ceremony of the Games sold out in minutes."
How to use Games
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCapital-G "the Games" usually means the Olympics (or a similar major athletic event), not just any games.
Common mistake
Written with a capital G and usually preceded by "the" when referring to the Olympics specifically.
Common pairings
the Olympic Games
host the Games
the Winter Games
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She won three medals at the _____ in Tokyo.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Games
See all rhymes for Games →Frequently asked questions
What does “Games” mean?
The word “Games” means the Olympic Games, or a similarly large multi-sport competition. In plain terms, capital-G "the Games" usually means the Olympics (or a similar major athletic event), not just any games.
How do you use “Games” in a sentence?
Here is “Games” used in a sentence: “She won three medals at the Games in Tokyo.”
What part of speech is “Games”?
“Games” is a noun.
Is “Games” a common word?
“Games” is a very common word in modern English.
What are 'the Games'?
With a capital G, 'the Games' usually means the Olympic Games, the world's largest multi-sport event, or a similar large competition such as the Commonwealth or Asian Games. The word acts as shorthand once the specific event is understood, as in 'the host city for the Games.'
How often are the Olympic Games held?
The modern Olympic Games are held every four years. Because the Summer and Winter Games are staggered two years apart, a major Olympic event actually takes place every two years. The four-year gap for each is sometimes called an Olympiad, a term also used for the Games themselves.
What is the difference between the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games?
Both are large multi-sport events, but they differ in scope. The Olympic Games are global, open to nearly every country. The Commonwealth Games involve only nations of the Commonwealth, most with historic ties to Britain. The Olympics are also older and larger, with more sports and more competitors.
Which competitions are called 'Games'?
Many major multi-sport events use the word: the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and the Pan American Games, among others. Each gathers athletes from many nations across numerous sports, which is why 'Games,' capitalised, signals a large organised competition rather than casual play.
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