What does "gamer" mean?

1. (video game player) someone who plays video games often, either for fun or as a job. 2. (game player) a person who plays any kind of game, like board games or sports.

gamer

US //ˈɡeɪmɝ// UK //ɡˈeɪmɐ// gamer

1 video game player (n.)
A2 Elementary Computing

someone who plays video games often, either for fun or as a job.

an individual who regularly plays video games, often identifying with a specific subculture or community.

Example

My brother is a serious gamer who spends his weekends playing online with friends.

Example

The marketing campaign specifically targeted professional gamers who require high-performance hardware for competitive tournaments.
- player
2 game player (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a person who plays any kind of game, like board games or sports.

a participant in any form of game, including traditional board games, card games, or athletic competitions.

Example

She is an enthusiastic gamer who loves hosting board game nights.

Example

The club welcomes every type of gamer, from chess masters to those who prefer casual tabletop strategy games.
- participant
- player

Etymology 1

Etymology tree Proto-Germanic *gamaną Proto-West Germanic *gaman Old English gamen Middle English game Latin -ariusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere Middle English gamer English gamer From Middle English gamer, attested since before 1450 as a common noun and possibly since 1248 in the name of one Johannes le Gamer. Equivalent to game (noun) + -er (occupational suffix).

Etymology 2

From game (adjective) + -er (comparative suffix).