game day
noun
variants
or less commonly gameday
plural game days also gamedays
: the day on which a particular sports team plays a game
Scan the parking lot of any sports arena on game day and you're sure to see a flock of pickup trucks and SUVs hosting a big party of tailgaters.—Joe Bruzek
Even on game days, whether you're starting or not, if your name's on the list, you have a job to do.—Julie Foundy
[Coach Chris] Jans and his players have both pondered the gap between gamedays and training, and why the positive attitude and strong weeks of practice haven't shown up on court when the lights turn on …—Colin Damms
These 13 game day snacks are the kind you can rely on whether folks are dropping by early or sticking around longer than planned.—Jenn Allen
Gameday traditions, including tailgating and the pregame experience, are an important part of what makes Michigan State football gamedays special.—J Batt
—often hyphenated when used before another nounDress in your favorite game-day attire.—Lauren Cheramie
Cite this Entry
“Game day.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/game%20day. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.
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