verb
Common
GM
GM (verb) means to run a tabletop role-playing game as the person who referees the rules and narrates the world for the other players. Example: “She's been GMing our Dungeons & Dragons campaign for three years.”
verb
1
To run a tabletop role-playing game as the person who referees the rules and narrates the world for the other players.
"She's been GMing our Dungeons & Dragons campaign for three years."
"Whoever GMs has to prep the maps and monsters before the session."
How to use GM
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo act as the game master — the person who runs a tabletop RPG session rather than playing one of the characters.
Memory tip
Comes from the abbreviation GM ("game master"), which got turned into its own verb by gamers.
Common pairings
GM a campaign
GM a session
take turns GMing
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- GMs
- Past tense
- GMed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's been _____ our Dungeons & Dragons campaign for three years.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “GM” mean?
The word “GM” means to run a tabletop role-playing game as the person who referees the rules and narrates the world for the other players. In plain terms, to act as the game master — the person who runs a tabletop RPG session rather than playing one of the characters.
How do you use “GM” in a sentence?
Here is “GM” used in a sentence: “She's been GMing our Dungeons & Dragons campaign for three years.”
What part of speech is “GM”?
“GM” is a verb.
Is “GM” a common word?
“GM” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between a GM and a DM in role-playing games?
Both terms describe the person who referees the rules and narrates the world for the other players. "GM" (game master) is the general, system-neutral term, while "DM" (dungeon master) is specific to Dungeons & Dragons.
Does a GM play a character like the other players?
No. Rather than controlling a single hero, a GM manages the whole world, including every non-player character and challenge the players encounter. Their role is to referee fairly and keep the shared story moving.
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