Meaning & use
gamers
Last updated
“gamers” is a form of “gamer”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
People who play video games regularly or seriously, often for long periods or competitively.
Grammar: Plural of gamer: gamers are waiting for the new console.
Patterns
- gamers play something
- gamers around the world
Thousands of gamers lined up for the release of the new console.
Many gamers prefer playing with friends online.
The company designs chairs especially for gamers who play for hours.
nounplural
People who play tabletop games such as board games, card games or role-playing games.
Grammar: Usually with a game type: board gamers, role-playing gamers.
Patterns
- board gamers
- tabletop gamers
The convention brought together tabletop gamers from many countries.
Board gamers filled the café every Thursday evening.
Role-playing gamers spent the weekend on a long adventure.
Word forms
| singular | gamer |
|---|
Common combinations
- avid gamers
- Avid gamers often follow tournaments closely.
- casual gamers
- Casual gamers enjoy short games on their phones.
- hardcore gamers
- Hardcore gamers spend many hours mastering difficult games.
- professional gamers
- Professional gamers train like athletes.
- gamers community
- The gamers community reacted quickly to the update.
Synonyms and how they differ
- players
- Players is general and works for any game or sport, while gamers usually suggests video games.
- esports athletes
- Esports athletes are competitive professionals, so this is narrower than gamers.
- gaming fans
- Gaming fans emphasizes enthusiasm and does not have to mean they play often.
- geeks
- Geeks is informal and broader, applying to many technology hobbies, and may sound teasing.
Word family
Commonly confused: gamers or gamblers?
gamers vs gamblers
Gamblers bet money on uncertain outcomes, while gamers play games and do not necessarily risk money.
Practice
The convention was full of ___ trying out the newest video games.
Choose one answer.
Gamers play video games. Gamblers bet money, which would not fit a convention about new video games.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gamers”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.