tournament

noun

tour·​na·​ment ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt 

 also  ˈtər-,

 or  ˈtȯr-

1

: a series of games or contests that make up a single unit of competition (as on a professional golf tour), the championship playoffs of a league or conference, or an invitational event

2

a

: a knightly sport of the Middle Ages between mounted combatants armed with blunted lances or swords and divided into two parties contesting for a prize or favor bestowed by the lady of the tournament

b

: the whole series of knightly sports, jousts, and tilts occurring at one time and place

Synonyms

• bout
• competition
• contest
• event
• game
• match
• matchup
• meet
• sweepstakes
• sweep-stake
• tourney

Examples of tournament in a Sentence

She's an excellent tennis player who has won many tournaments.

a golf tournament in which professionals compete against amateurs

Recent Examples on the Web

Updated rules will apply to golfers competing in all Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournaments and eight United States Golf Association (USGA) championships. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

The actress has also made a name for herself as a professional poker player with her total earnings from winning tournaments, as of 2019, exceeding $1 million. —EW.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Woods’ career in recent years has been marred by injuries which have routinely forced him to withdraw from tournaments. —Danielle Jennings, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

There is guaranteed to be a new NBA Cup champion in the tournament’s second season after the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated in group play. —Matias Grez, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tornement, from Anglo-French turneiement, from turneier

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing tournament

• pre-tournament

Kids Definition

tournament

noun

tour·​na·​ment ˈtu̇r-nə-mənt 

 also  ˈtər-,

 or  ˈtȯr-

1

: a contest of skill and courage between knights wearing armor and fighting with blunted lances or swords

2

: a contest or series of contests played for a championship