euchre

American  

[yoo-ker] / ˈyu kər /

noun

1. Cards. a game played by two, three, or four persons, usually with the 32, but sometimes with the 28 or 24, highest cards in the pack.

2. an instance of euchring or being euchred.

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verb (used with object)

euchred, euchring

1. to get the better of (an opponent) in a hand at euchre by the opponent's failure to win three tricks after having made the trump.

2. Slang. to cheat; swindle.

euchre British  

/ ˈjuːkə /

noun

1. a US and Canadian card game similar to écarté for two to four players, using a poker pack with joker

2. an instance of euchring another player, preventing him from making his contracted tricks

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verb

1. to prevent (a player) from making his contracted tricks

2. informal (usually foll by out) to outwit or cheat

3. informal to ruin or exhaust

Etymology

Origin of euchre

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The MSU Union was a go-to for Biggby Coffee in the mornings, euchre tournaments and music gigs in the evenings, quesadillas with friends during late nights, thick Dairy Store ice cream over the weekends.

From Slate • Feb. 14, 2023

In a backroom with dark wood paneling and an electronic bingo board on the wall, two men and two women sat around a table, each holding five cards as they played euchre.

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2022

His favorite meal is an Egg McMuffin, he likes to play pickleball and he has been known to kill time awaiting election night results with a game of euchre.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2022

They love playing euchre and blackjack, betting with matchsticks.

From The Guardian • Mar. 15, 2020

So we played euchre on a dictionary balanced on his lap, and when that started to prove a bit much we switched to Casino.

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt