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

But, Finland could also use the third spot to bring a younger goalie to one of these two tournaments, which could crack the door open for Annunen or Pittsburgh’s Joel Blomqvist. —Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024

All tournaments are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. out of Prairie Creek park. —Flip Putthoff, arkansasonline.com, 5 Nov. 2024

With their returning talent and building on last year's success, they're poised to break into the NCAA tournament. —Kate Murphy, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024

Sawyer Point Park is closed, pickleball tournament still happening Sawyer Point Park is currently closed for safety reasons following the fire, according to the Cincinnati Parks Department's website. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 3 Nov. 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