war game

American  

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.

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war game British  

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

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verb

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

Etymology

Origin of war game

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

war game

In effect, the Leipzig attack was like a maneuver in a war game, or a feint.

From Salon ● Sep. 7, 2026

“This was a war game in a residential neighborhood recently devastated by catastrophic fire that took place in a weeknight, in the middle of the night.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 6, 2026

The world's best-selling war game saga, "Call of Duty", releases its latest instalment Friday, under pressure to rival the strong launch of longtime competitor "Battlefield".

From Barron's ● Nov. 13, 2025

The warplane flights Sunday near Taiwan were described in Chinese state media as “record-breaking,” and coincided with a major war game exercise around the island that included 20 PLA naval vessels.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 18, 2023

At this moment, her face a portrait of scorn, Mary Anne walked through the middle of the war game and said, “Is the war over, creeps?”

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• dress rehearsal
• tryout