backgammon

American  

[bak-gam-uhn, bak-gam-] / ˈbækˌgæm ən, ˌbækˈgæm- /

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.

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verb (used with object)

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

backgammon British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of backgammon

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

Explanation

Backgammon is a two-player game in which you move pieces in an attempt to be the first to remove them all from the board. Backgammon is one of the oldest board games in the world. There's an element of luck to the game of backgammon, but strategy is important if you want to play well. Each player takes turns rolling the dice and choosing the best of many options for moving one or two pieces. You can also capture your opponent's pieces to slow him down. The gammon in backgammon comes from the Old English gamen, "fun" or "game," though the game itself comes from ancient Persia.

Example Sentences

Backgammon is something I learned on the set of “The Boys.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 25, 2025

Backgammon hasn't brought peace to the Middle East just yet - but it's an example of how play can be much more than just a way to pass the time.

From BBC • Jan. 12, 2022

Backgammon is exciting to play if you know what you’re doing, but it’s awful to read about.

From New York Times • Oct. 11, 2016

Backgammon came to seem miraculous to me in the proliferating ways it signified for the book.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 29, 2016

He is a great sporting character, too, and arranges all the meetings on the Nursery Race-course, besides being much interested in Backgammon.

From Puppets at Large Scenes and Subjects from Mr Punch's Show by Anstey, F.