gamer

plural gamers

1. A person who plays any kind of game.

   These dice are the gamers' weapons […]

   2002, Gary Alan Fine, Shared Fantasy: Role Playing Games as Social Worlds, page 93

   1 more example

   […] any dice-player, carder, tennis player, or other unlawful gamer.

   1422, Code of Laws of Walsall

   Synonyms: gameplayer

   1. by ellipsisA person whose hobby is video games.

      That the Parliament congratulates the online gamer, Harry Brewis, who is known by the handle HBomberGuy, […]

      2019, The Scottish Parliament, Motion S5M-15504 https://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx?SearchType=Advance&ReferenceNumbers=S5M-15504&ResultsPerPage=10

      2 more examples

      A country that's enriched the world with sushi, karaoke and manga, Japan has many devotees, especially among gamers and geeks.

      2021 April 25, John Malathronas, “Which languages are easiest – and most difficult – for native English speakers to learn?”, in CNN, archived from the original on 22 Mar 2022

      These real-time elements feel fresh, holding engagement in the fight playing out on-screen, while also offering gamers an extra level of control over proceedings.

      2025 February 28, Robert Jones, “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33”, in PC Gamer (US), number 392, page 32

      Synonyms: gameplayer, videogamer

2. A person who games the system.

   Near-synonym: gamesman

   1 more example

   […] the real "takers" in this country are commercial gamers of the system who are only in it to swipe a fast buck from the common trust.

   2016, Eric Lovald, Hugely Confused

   Synonyms: gamesman

3. obsoleteA gambler.

   The gamer is farther from restoration even than the drunkard, because what he does he does in the light of sobriety and reason.

   1845 The Head Quarters, Volume III, Number 122 (November 19, 1845)

   Synonyms: punter

1. comparativecomparative form of game: more game