dominoes

Short definition: The word dominoes refers to a classic game played with flat tiles marked with dots, where players take turns matching numbers, using simple rules but enough strategy to make each round engaging and social.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word dominoes? The word dominoes is commonly used in games, social activities, and casual conversation. It refers to a classic tile-based game played by matching numbers and planning moves. You will hear it in family gatherings, game nights, cafés, and even online versions of the game. Depending on context, it can mean the game itself, the set of tiles, or the activity of playing. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: domino, dominoes
Related: tile n., board game n., strategy n.
Syllable: dom-i-noes

1. (Noun) A traditional tile based game played by matching numbered tiles and planning moves against other players.

   Dominoes is a classic game in which players take turns placing rectangular tiles marked with dots, matching numbers at the ends while thinking ahead to block opponents and use their tiles strategically.

   After dinner the family sat around the table playing dominoes for hours laughing arguing playfully and carefully planning each move.
   He learned dominoes from his grandparents and still enjoys the game because it combines strategy patience and social interaction.
   Dominoes tournaments can become surprisingly competitive when experienced players face each other.

   Synonyms: tile game, classic table game, matching game, strategy tile game, traditional board game, social game, number matching game, tabletop game, family game, turn based game, casual strategy game, traditional pastime
   Antonyms: solo game, action video game, physical sport, card trick, reflex game, non turn based game, individual activity, outdoor sport, fast paced action game, solitary pastime, non strategy game, physical competition

2. (Noun) The set of rectangular tiles used to play the game.

   Dominoes can also refer to the physical tiles themselves, usually small rectangles made of plastic wood or bone, each marked with two sections of dots representing numbers.

   She carefully arranged the dominoes face down before dealing them to each player.
   Old dominoes sets are sometimes passed down through families as keepsakes.
   The sound of dominoes clicking together is familiar in many homes and cafés.

   Synonyms: domino tiles, game tiles, numbered tiles, playing tiles, tile set, game pieces, rectangular tiles, matching tiles, tabletop pieces, domino set, numbered pieces, playing pieces
   Antonyms: cards, dice, digital tokens, virtual pieces, non physical items, electronic icons, screen elements, software pieces, virtual assets, imaginary pieces, digital markers, non tangible items

3. (Noun) A casual social activity where people gather talk and bond while playing a simple competitive game.

   In everyday life, dominoes often means the social experience of playing together, where conversation jokes and bonding matter as much as winning or losing.

   For them dominoes was less about the score and more about spending relaxed time together after work.
   Neighborhood dominoes games often turned into long evenings filled with stories laughter and friendly rivalry.
   Playing dominoes helped him stay socially active even after retirement.

   Synonyms: social pastime, group game, bonding activity, community game, shared tradition, friendly competition, family pastime, group entertainment, social ritual, casual gathering, table game night, social play
   Antonyms: isolated activity, solitary work, individual task, private routine, lone hobby, non social activity, independent pastime, solo entertainment, personal task, isolated play, individual focus, solitary activity