gaming

UK/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ/US/ˈɡeɪmɪŋ/

nounB2Common in everyday speech and writing · #5,201 of 15,258leans written

Gaming is playing computer games, or betting for money. Online gaming, a gaming chair, gaming laws.

The two senses are far apart and both are current, which causes real confusion: the gambling industry calls itself gaming precisely because it sounds lighter. In law, gaming usually means gambling, and the games industry says video games to be clear.

Definitions of gaming

1noungamingPlaying computer games, or betting for money.B2
“Online gaming has become a huge industry.”

gaming is an activity.

Practise this word

gaming in the wild

The term "gaming" in this context typically refers to instances in which the activity has been specifically permitted by law.
Gambling
Originally a hobby, gaming has evolved into a profession for some, with some gamers routinely competing in games for money, prizes, or awards.
Gamer
Mobile gaming is the largest and most lucrative sector of the video game industry today, accounting for 49% of total global gaming revenue in 2025.
Mobile game
Retro gaming, also known as classic gaming and old school gaming, is the playing and collection of personal computers, consoles, and video games from earlier decades.
Retro gaming
Video gaming reached mainstream popularity in the early 1970s, when arcade video games, gaming consoles and personal computer games were introduced to the general public.
Early history of video games

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From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. These sentences were written by other people about their own subjects; they are here to show the word at work, not as anybody’s opinion.

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