noughts-and-crosses

[ nawts-uhn-kraw-siz, -kros-iz ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. tick-tack-toe ( def 1 ).

noughts and crosses

noun

1. functioning as singular a game in which two players, one using a nought, "O", the other a cross, "X", alternately mark one square out of nine formed by two pairs of crossed lines, the winner being the first to get three of his symbols in a row US and Canadian termtick-tack-toeUScrisscross

Word History and Origins

Origin of noughts-and-crosses¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

I'd back him at cat's-cradle, and I dare say he plays a very fair game at noughts-and-crosses.

From Project Gutenberg