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

He was a gyrokinesis instructor, a folk art collector, a fan of Nepali dumplings in Adams Morgan and impromptu games of backgammon, they said.

From Washington Post

At the front of the ship, a group of men thumbed prayer beads as they surrounded a match of backgammon.

From New York Times

In the 1970s, Banerjee used his savings to buy a dive bar in LA which he called Destiny II, and tried everything to draw in crowds - backgammon games, magic shows and mud wrestling among women.

From BBC

“After that, we’ll play board games. We love to play board games — dominoes, backgammon, gin rummy.”

From Seattle Times

Games for two people have come a long way since checkers, backgammon and Battleship.

From New York Times