war game

noun

Military.

1. a simulated military operation, carried out to test the validity of a war plan or operational concept: in its simplest form, two opposing teams of officers take part, and when necessary, military units of the required strength are employed.

war game

noun

1. a notional tactical exercise for training military commanders, in which no military units are actually deployed

2. a game in which model soldiers are used to create battles, esp past battles, in order to study tactics

verb

1. (intr) to prepare for battle by considering possible tactics and enemy responses

Word History and Origins

Origin of war game¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Related Words

• dress rehearsal 
• tryout