Meaning & use

gamers

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈɡeɪməz/
US/ˈɡeɪmərz/

“gamers” is a form of “gamer”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. 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.

  2. 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

singulargamer

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

gamer noun
one person who plays games, especially video games
gaming noun
the activity of playing video games
game noun
an activity played for fun or competition
gameplay noun
the way a game is played

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.

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