canasta

American  

[kuh-nas-tuh] / kəˈnæs tə /

noun

Cards.

1. a variety of rummy in which the main object is to meld sets of seven or more cards.

---

canasta British  

/ kəˈnæstə /

noun

1. a card game for two to six players who seek to amass points by declaring sets of cards

2. Also called: meld.  a declared set in this game, containing seven or more like cards, worth 500 points if the canasta is pure or 300 if wild (containing up to three jokers)

---

Etymology

Origin of canasta

1945–50; < Spanish: literally, basket, apparently variant of canastro < Greek kánastron wicker basket ( canister )

Example Sentences

It was top of mind for several people who milled around a community center recently as a canasta game ended in Plantation, Fla.

From New York Times

“Coates had those steely blue eyes, and after the canasta comeback, he threw the cards out the window. He was kind of an out-of-control guy.”

From Seattle Times

Whether you are a canasta fanatic, hiking enthusiast, wine lover, swing dancer, karaoke singer or soccer fan, you can find like-minded people near you via Meetup.com.

From Seattle Times

If you choose to go out for a meal, it’s probably wise not to settle in for a match of canasta after dessert.

From New York Times

She draws strength from female friendships: “In her own life, it was women who sustained her. All those coffee hours, the camaraderie of canasta, the support she got at church.”

From Washington Post

Related Words

• poker
• roulette