Tournaments

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Events that involve structured contests with several players or teams competing against each other for accolades or prizes
2. Competitive gatherings where participants engage in a series of matches or games to achieve victory or recognition
3. Structured competitions featuring multiple players or teams vying for victory and rewards through a series of matches or contests

Etymology: "Tournaments" is simply the plural of "tournament," so its history is that of the singular noun. The base word came into English from Old French "tornoiement," a noun formed from the verb "tornoier," meaning to joust or fight in a tournament. That verb itself grew from "tornoi" and ultimately connects to the idea of turning, since medieval mock combats were often staged as a series of circling, turning charges between knights. The original sense was therefore a kind of military exercise rather than a game. Tournaments were staged contests of armoured knights, which is why the word once described something closer to a battle rehearsal than a sporting fixture. Over the centuries the meaning broadened to any organised contest between competitors, and today it covers everything from chess championships to tennis draws.

Synonyms: competitions, contests, matches, championships, games

Antonyms: friendlies, exhibitions, practice matches, casual games, non-competitions