board game
/ˈbɔːd ɡeɪm/
Meaning
A board game is a tabletop game that involves counters or pieces moved or placed on a pre-marked surface or 'board' according to a set of rules. It is a neutral term used when discussing hobbies, family gatherings, or social activities. It covers classics like Monopoly and chess, as well as modern cooperative games.
Examples
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We usually play a board game together as a family on rainy Sunday afternoons.
We usually play a board game together as a family on rainy Sunday afternoons.
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Monopoly is probably the most famous board game in the entire world.
Monopoly is probably the most famous board game in the entire world.
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He has a huge collection of modern board games in his living room.
He has a huge collection of modern board games in his living room.
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Let's invite some friends over tonight for dinner and a board game.
Let's invite some friends over tonight for dinner and a board game.
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Learning the rules of a new board game can sometimes take a while.
Learning the rules of a new board game can sometimes take a while.
Common Mistakes
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✗ We played a table game last night.
✓ We played a board game last night.
While 'tabletop game' exists as a broader category, games played on a marked board are specifically called 'board games', not 'table games'.
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✗ I bought a new table play yesterday.
✓ I bought a new board game yesterday.
The noun is 'game', not 'play', when referring to recreational activities like chess or Scrabble.
Related Expressions
Practice
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My favorite ___ to play with friends is Settlers of Catan.
💡 a tabletop game with a marked surface and pieces
Show answer
board game
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Instead of watching TV, let's unpack a ___ and play together.
💡 a physical game played on a table with pieces
Show answer
board game