Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
basket rummy

basket rummy

6.2
A card game using two decks and four jokers where jokers and twos are wild and players form sets
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : rummy canasto
  • The rules of basket rummy allow both jokers and twos to be used as wild cards.

Examples

  • During family gatherings, we often enjoy a lively game of basket rummy with two decks and lots of laughter.

  • He taught his children how to play basket rummy during summer vacation.

  • We played basket rummy all evening with our friends.

  • I love playing basket rummy with my friends.

  • Have you ever played basket rummy before?

  • The children quickly grasped the rules of basket rummy and had fun using the jokers and twos as wild cards.

  • Whenever we have guests over, we break out the cards for a competitive round of basket rummy, which everyone loves.

Synonyms

meld
vsbasket rummy
14 9.9

A card game like rummy played with two decks and wild cards

is the same game but named as a specific variant
rummy
vsbasket rummy
11 4.1

A card game where players make sets or sequences of cards

is a more specific form using two decks and wild jokers
rum
vsbasket rummy
4 8.2

A card game in which players make sets and runs to be first to lay down all cards

is the version with two decks and deuces as wild cards
rummy game
vsbasket rummy
3.2

A card game where players make sets or runs of matching cards

is the specialized form played with two decks and jokers wild

Surface Forms

basket rummy singular
basket rummies plural

Morphology

basket + rummy

The structure 'basket rummy' clearly signals a subtype of the game 'rummy' (modifier + head), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it is a variety of rummy. However, the modifier 'basket' does not transparently convey the specific rule details (two decks, four jokers, deuces as wild), so the precise meaning requires prior exposure or explanation.

Etymology

Basket rummy probably comes from the picture of a basket filled with cards. Because the game uses two decks and many 'wild cards', players collect lots of sets and the piles can look like a full 'basket', which explains the name.