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

Example Sentences

Colonists played chess, checkers, dominoes and backgammon, among other diversions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

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 • Jun. 22, 2025

Swieskowski had been introduced to backgammon the previous summer and had the zeal of a convert; growing up, Hodde played with her family on ski trips.

From New York Times • Mar. 8, 2024

In anticipation of meeting the three-time Grammy winner, the mum-of-two created a backgammon board with the hope of giving it to her.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2023

A doctor at the next table looked up from his backgammon board and interrupted the conversation.

From "Fever 1793" by Laurie Halse Anderson