mah-jongg

or mah-jong

[ mah-jawng, -jong, -zhawng, -zhong ]

noun

1. a game of Chinese origin usually played by four persons with 144 dominolike pieces or tiles marked in suits, counters, and dice, the object being to build a winning combination of pieces.

verb (used without object)

1. to win a game of mah-jongg.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mah-jongg¹

1920–25; < dialectal Chinese; compare Guangdong dial. màh-jéuk, Chinese máquè literally, sparrow (depicted on the first tile of a set), equivalent to má hemp + què bird

Example Sentences

Putting greens, pizza ovens, and mah-jongg tables, she offered.

From The Daily Beast

He announces "Mah-Jongg" wins, the game is over, the scores are settled and the wall built up for the next game.

From Project Gutenberg

The rule is that "a player may at any time 'Pung' a discard which will complete his hand and allow him to Mah-Jongg."

From Project Gutenberg

On this account, none of the other opponents would hesitate about discarding the eight of bamboo which allowed him to Mah-Jongg.

From Project Gutenberg

For Mah-Jongg or completing a hand a bonus is given and this is generally 10 points unless specially agreed upon to be so.

From Project Gutenberg

For winning hand of absolutely no scoring value than Mah-Jongg, 10 points is given as a bonus.

From Project Gutenberg