1
: the practice or activity of playing games for stakes : gambling
After a six-decade absence, casino gaming makes its return next month to this Southern Indiana valley, once famous for luxury resorts that attracted the nation's elite.—Michael Rubino
In the same way, casino owners almost never refer to "gambling," which brings to mind damp basements and dice, but always "gaming," which suggests Whist or Scrabble enjoyed in front of a crackling fireplace.—Wayne Curtis
—often used before another nounthe gaming industry
2
: the practice or activity of playing games (such as board games, card games, or video games)
online/mobile/PC gaming
When most people think of computer gaming, they envision some things that aren't exactly politically correct. Things like blazing lasers, spattering blood and beheaded aliens. However, Internet gaming really does offer something for everyone.—Kim Komando
—often used before another nounYou can get curved gaming monitors too, for added immersion in certain games.—Jon Martindale
After looking through the gaming options, we decided on Quick Draw—a game that gives one participant a word to draw, while the other callers try to guess what the word is.—Becca Miller
Cite this Entry
“Gaming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gaming. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
