Phrase guide

name of the game

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The essential element (needed to reach the principal goal or objective); the overall purpose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

Qualifier: almost always preceded by the

Examples

  • In the microprocessor business, speed is the name of the game.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 關鍵 /关键 (guānjiàn) — essential element or objective
  • Finnish: pelin henki — essential element or objective
  • Swedish: A och O — essential element or objective