backgammon

[bak-gam-uhn, bak-gam-]

noun

1. a game for two persons played on a board having two tables or parts, each marked with 12 points, and with both players having 15 pieces that are moved in accordance with throws of the dice.

2. a victory at this game, especially one resulting in a tripled score.

verb (used with object)

1. to defeat at backgammon, especially to win a triple score over.

backgammon

/ bækˈɡæmən, ˈbækˌɡæmən /

noun

1. a game for two people played on a board with pieces moved according to throws of the dice

2. the most complete form of win in this game

Word History and Origins

Origin of backgammon¹

First recorded in 1635–45; back ² + gammon ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of backgammon¹

C17: _back ¹ + gammon , variant of _game ¹

Example Sentences

Depending on what’s going on, I’ll get in touch with the kids and play backgammon on my phone — just spend time winding the day down.

From Los Angeles Times

He came to Azizam, which he described as a restaurant that serves the “Persian dishes that only your mom makes at home,” for backgammon and an albaloo or sour cherry spritz.

From Los Angeles Times

I used to play backgammon in the lobby there with one or two of those guys.

From Los Angeles Times

“And at the end of the screaming they would go back to drinking Ouzo and playing backgammon,” Lalas added.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’d play in the park, go for boat rides, take naps. There was this whole area on the 7th Street side where older people played shuffleboard, backgammon, gin, all kinds of card games.”

From Los Angeles Times