Definition

Noun: 1. A game of Chinese origin: Mah-jongg is a strategic game for four players, played with a set of 144 rectangular tiles. The tiles are engraved or painted with Chinese characters, symbols, and suits (such as circles, bamboos, and characters), along with honor tiles (winds and dragons) and bonus tiles (flowers and seasons). The objective is to build a complete hand of 14 tiles by drawing and discarding, forming specific combinations like sets and pairs.

Usage

• Mah-jongg is typically played by four people around a table.
• The game involves skill, strategy, and a degree of chance.
• It is a popular social and competitive game worldwide.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to win at mah-jongg": to complete a winning hand according to the game's rules.
  • He was thrilled to win at mah-jongg with a rare combination.
• "a game/set of mah-jongg": refers to the physical tiles and equipment used to play.
  • She received a luxury mah-jongg set as a gift.

Variants and Related Words

• Mahjong (noun): An alternative, common spelling for mah-jongg.
• Mah-jong (noun): Another common variant spelling.

Synonyms

• Tile game: A general term for games played with tiles, such as mah-jongg or dominoes. (Note: This is a broader category, not a direct synonym.)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the Chinese tile game. It is not used for other games or activities.
• While often associated with gambling in some contexts, it is primarily a game of skill and a social pastime.

Noun

1. Chinese game played by 4 people with 144 tiles