gamify

American  

[gey-muh-fahy] / ˈgeɪ məˌfaɪ /

verb (used with object)

gamified, gamifying

1. to turn (an activity or task) into a game or something resembling a game.

   Many exercise programs have been gamified, with badges and scores.

   The company develops gamified apps.

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Etymology

Origin of gamify

First recorded in 2000–05; game ¹ + -ify

Explanation

To gamify a task or activity is to make it into a game, especially online. If taking out the trash were gamified, you’d earn points each time, with bonus points for speed, and you’d be trying to get your name on the leaderboard! The word gamify first appeared in the early 2000s, when there was a surge in online activity of all kinds. Now many apps and websites are gamified, such as those for fitness, shopping, music lessons, or language learning. Points, rewards, levels, challenges, races, and badges are some of the features used in gamifying. Offline activities can also be gamified as a way to motivate and engage people.

Example Sentences

“So how can you psychologically gamify the experience of just getting everybody on board this evolution as quickly as possible?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Families can get as elaborate as they want with points or an auction to gamify the system.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 21, 2025

The works on view, originally concealed in special cases and behind sliding or reversible panels, gamify the experience of looking at portraiture; they have to be moved, before they can move us.

From New York Times • Apr. 11, 2024

But looking to further gamify the system, activists are pushing for similar protest votes in other states, including Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Washington.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2024

Predictions build upon, and gamify, the site’s existing Polls feature from last year, allowing users to bet and earn tokens based on successful predictions as part of miniature tournaments.

From The Verge • Oct. 13, 2021