Showing results for "endgame"

• a variation of end game.

endgame

British  

/ ˈɛndˌɡeɪm /

noun

1. Also called: ending. the closing stage of a game of chess, in which only a few pieces are left on the board

2. the closing stage of any of certain other games

---

Explanation

An endgame is the very last part of a strategic game, like chess or backgammon. The last few moves you make in your chess game are your endgame. Although the term endgame doesn't have a formal definition in chess, it's long been used by players to describe what happens when very few pieces are left on the board. One interesting thing characteristic of a chess endgame is that the king, which spends most of the game being protected by other pieces, becomes much stronger. From the chess meaning, endgame is also used figuratively to mean "end stages of negotiation."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

endgame

Plus, what’s the endgame for social-media marketing after undisclosed ads run wild in feeds?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 21, 2026

The preparations come despite concerns in Washington about America’s endgame and the mounting cost of the war.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

It neatly sums up the endgame in which we find ourselves — and his vanquishing of the preacher Eli speaks to what we worship in the United States.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

But they are united in their view that Sir Keir has entered the endgame.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

During one long, exasperating endgame, it began to rain, and neither he nor his opponent would let the storm stay their appointed task of finishing the game.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---