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  • A game
    A game
    noun
    a person’s best effort, abilities, or achievement.
  • 'A' game
    'A' game
    noun
    one's best possible performance, esp in the phrase to bring or take one's 'A' game

A game

American  
Or A-game,

noun

Informal.
  1. a person’s best effort, abilities, or achievement.

    The candidate brought her A game to the debate.


'A' game British  

noun

  1. informal one's best possible performance, esp in the phrase to bring or take one's 'A' game

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of A game

In reference to a sports contest, with the letter A indicating peak performance

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He made his return to rugby in an England A game against France but was red-carded for a high shot on Antoine Hastoy.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

"A game like this, you can't dwell into it too much," said vice-captain Pant, who took charge of the team after Gill was forced out.

From Barron's • Nov. 16, 2025

A game of big runs, momentum shifts and high emotions needed a resolution in the renewal of an old rivalry.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025

So everybody brought their A game to the session and we took it really seriously, but we also had a lot of fun and just really kind of got to know each other.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2025

“All of you, back to your cabins. Get some sleep. A game well played, but curfew is past!”

From "The Battle of the Labyrinth" by Rick Riordan