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

/ ˈbækˌɡæmən; bækˈɡæmən /

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

In a lobby adorned with twining-sweet-pea wallpaper, a wooden backgammon table caught the afternoon light.

From Washington Post

Half-assing your way through and playing at backgammon is a lot more fun than really playing backgammon.

From Ozy

Having a shadow side that you’re both aware of yet refuse to acknowledge is like “sort of” playing backgammon.

From Ozy

The simple, but handsome, wooden set includes playing surfaces and pieces for chess, checkers, cribbage, and backgammon, and also includes dominoes, playing cards, dice and other accessories.

From Popular-Science

“We collect Pierre Cardin, so we have furniture—we have all the sort of fun items like the backgammon set and glassware,” Ebersole tells Fortune.

From Fortune

“Traditionally, older Iranian men have smoked opium in their poetry readings and backgammon gatherings,” says Bahari.

From The Daily Beast

And a vintage 1980s Christian Dior leather backgammon set—only $2,350!

From The Daily Beast

“Getting together for a game of chess, backgammon, or just to have a conversation,” the rakers report reads.

From The Daily Beast

Slim countertops had brown and white cushioned seats under them—circular and clean like backgammon pieces.

From The Daily Beast

The great thing about backgammon is that if you win, you're a killer, but if you lose, you're just unlucky.

From The Daily Beast

The Earl pushed aside the backgammon board and the glasses, and leant his elbow on the table.

From Project Gutenberg

Louis XIV., playing at backgammon, had a doubtful throw; a dispute arose, and all the courtiers remained silent.

From Project Gutenberg

It is generally from twelve to p. 97fourteen inches long, and in shape resembles a dice-box used at backgammon.

From Project Gutenberg

“I know what is the matter with you,” said Crawley, replacing the pieces on a backgammon board at the end of the game.

From Project Gutenberg

In the coffee-houses, besides smoking and gossiping, we also played games, either chess or backgammon or munkula.

From Project Gutenberg