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

New York, for example, had 6,000 gambling houses in the 1850s, where visitors could try their luck at games such as faro, chuck-a-luck, loo, all-fours, hearts, euchre, Boston, and whist.

From Slate • May 26, 2022

Before his death, Danny, as president of the Lewiston 50 Plus Club, led a community center with several hundred members that hosts regular activities: euchre, bingo, exercise classes.

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

It was an hour before Dr. Wilde could be found playing euchre with a friend.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck