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Glite Dictionary
table game

table game

1 2.6
A game played on a table like a board game or card game
  • noun
  • /ˈteɪbəl ɡeɪm/
translation icon : juego de mesa
  • Table games are clearly less common than gaming machines, which is very apparent in the upper Midwestern states of Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Examples

  • Back in the 1980s, the center of the casinos was the "table games" -- blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker -- games that involve some social exchange with other people -- players, dealers, croupiers -- and varying degrees of skill.

    Academic text (1996)

  • With no TV, we played with table games such as Old Maid, dominoes, etc.

    Blog text (34)

  • Many card or table games combine the use of vision to see close up and to view the game pieces or cards at arm's reach on the tabletop.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Cleveland's Horseshoe Casino has added 24 table games to satisfy customers pushing for more.

    Blog text (16)

  • The measure, which passed with 52% of the vote, allows the state's slots-only casino industry to offer table games like craps, blackjack, and roulette, and permits an additional casino to be constructed in Prince George's County.

    Blog text (4)

  • On rainy days, we enjoy playing table games like Monopoly and Scrabble.

  • The casino features a variety of table games, including poker and blackjack.

  • During family gatherings, we always have fun with our favorite table games such as Uno and Jenga.

Synonyms

board game
vstable game
45 1.7

A game where players move pieces on a board by following rules

is used on a flat surface rather than played outside or on the ground
card game
vstable game
43 1.1

A game played with playing cards, for example poker, that often needs skill or luck

is played on a flat surface rather than outdoors or on the floor
cards
vstable game
5 1.0

Games you play with a set of playing cards

is meant for play on a flat surface rather than outside

Surface Forms

table game singular
table games plural

Morphology

table + game

The meaning 'a game that is played on a table' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'table' (the surface) with 'game' (an activity), forming a straightforward noun–noun compound that denotes the location/medium of play. This compositional pattern is common in English and other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The compound noun table game comes from the simple image of a game played on a table, like chess or card games where pieces or cards sit on the table. So, it means 'a game played on a table' rather than one played outside or on the floor.