Skip to main content
gamesman

gamesman

7.5
A person skilled at playing strategic games like chess or board games
  • noun
  • /ˈɡeɪmzˌmæn/
  • Archaic
translation icon : jugador
  • In the world of poker, a successful gamesman knows how to read his opponents and bluff effectively.

Examples

  • Americans respect the best gamesman—regardless of the sport.

    Blog text (2)
  • The chess champion is considered a true gamesman for his strategic thinking and skill.

  • At the tournament, everyone admired her as a gamesman for her ability to win against tough competitors.

Synonyms

player
vsgamesman
1.0

A person who takes part in a sport or game

is highly skilled and focused on competitive strategic play
gamer
vsgamesman
74 2.8

A person who plays video games for fun or as a job

is skilled across competitive strategic activities rather than only digital play
gamester
vsgamesman
  • Archaic
1 7.3

A person who plays games for fun, sport, or money

emphasizes high skill and strategy rather than enjoyment or chance

How Skilled

master
791 4.2
expert
3 3.5
adept
43 4.2
gamesman
  • Archaic
7.5
amateur
122 2.8
beginner
81 1.0

Surface Forms

gamesman singular
gamesmen plural

Morphology

gamesman = game + man (transparent) = games + man

The compound literally combines 'game(s)' and 'man' to mean a person associated with games, a meaning easily inferred by learners.

Etymology

Gamesman comes from the word game, from old English gamen meaning 'play' or 'joy', and man meaning 'person', so a gamesman is literally a person who plays well and that is why it means someone very skilled at competitive or strategic games.