escape room

noun

plural escape rooms

: a game in which participants confined to a room or other enclosed setting (such as a prison cell) are given a set amount of time to find a way to escape (as by discovering hidden clues and solving a series of riddles or puzzles)

Escape rooms are a game where a group of friends or co-workers get locked into a space to play some puzzles, so they can all win the reward of leaving the room slightly early.

—Nick Douglas

One of the most interesting fusions of digital culture with an older form—in this case, theater—is the escape room, which locks people behind a closed door and asks them to find a way out.

—Chris Suellentrop

also : a place or business where this game is played

This is The Lock Boxx, a new mobile escape room based out of San Luis Obispo County. Customers are "locked" inside the trailer until they can solve the appropriate puzzles and break free.

—Jarod Urrutia

Examples of escape room in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Generally, the players this year have indulged in more wholesome pursuits — from escape rooms to West End shows to a Kings of Leon concert — with one former legend of the off-court world admitting that their glory days of excess are over. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 7 July 2024

An arcade, escape rooms, and bowling center offer spots for a little friendly competition, and the whole family can enjoy nightly movies at The Greenbrier Theatre. —Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024

Attendees will also have to pay to participate in other activities such as the main cosplay contest, a tabletop game room, a horror escape room, a Super Smash Brothers gaming tournament and an after party at The Hub Stadium in Novi. —Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press, 8 Nov. 2024

As for the escape room challenge, there was no clear winner, which is probably just as well. —Tyler Kepner, The Athletic, 23 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2012, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

escape room

noun

: a game in which players confined to a room attempt to escape by discovering hidden clues and solving puzzles or riddles