Definition

1. Noun:
   • A simple pencil-and-paper game for two players: "Noughts and crosses" is a game where players take turns marking the spaces in a 3x3 grid with their respective symbols (a nought 'O' or a cross 'X'). The objective is to be the first to place three of one's own marks in a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row.

Usage

• The term "noughts and crosses" is used as the name of the game itself. It is typically treated as a singular, uncountable noun when referring to the game concept.
• Example: "The children were playing noughts and crosses on a scrap of paper."

Examples

• Noun:
  • We passed the time by playing a quick game of noughts and crosses.
  • Noughts and crosses is often one of the first strategy games children learn.

Advanced Usage

• The game is a solved game, meaning the outcome (a draw with perfect play) is known. This is sometimes referenced in discussions about game theory or simple AI.
  • In noughts and crosses, a player who knows the optimal strategy will never lose.

Variants and Related Words

• Tic-tac-toe (noun): This is the common name for the same game in North American English.
  • In the US, what the British call "noughts and crosses" is known as "tic-tac-toe".

Synonyms

• Tic-tac-toe: The direct synonym, primarily used in American English.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The phrase "noughts and crosses" refers specifically to this game. It is not typically used in other contexts or as a metaphor. The individual words "nought" (meaning zero) and "cross" (the X symbol) combine solely to name this particular pastime.

Noun

1. a game in which two players alternately put crosses and circles in one of the compartments of a square grid of nine spaces; the object is to get a row of three crosses or three circles before the opponent does