# Gta

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gta
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. video game series

noun · CEFR B2

Stands for Grand Theft Auto. A very popular series of video games where players complete missions in a city.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Grand Theft Auto. A highly successful action-adventure video game franchise developed by Rockstar Games, known for its open-world design and crime-based themes.

- He spent the whole weekend playing the new GTA on his console.
- The release of the latest GTA installment broke industry records, sparking renewed debate regarding the depiction of violence in interactive media.

### 3. gotta / got to

verb · CEFR C2 · Slang · Informal

A very informal way of writing 'gotta' or 'have to' in text messages.

For teachers: A non-standard orthographic contraction of 'gotta' (itself a contraction of 'got to'), used almost exclusively in digital, informal contexts.

- I gta go now, see you later.
- The use of 'gta' as a contraction for 'gotta' is frequently observed in rapid-fire instant messaging but remains inappropriate for any professional correspondence.

## Examples

- He was arrested and charged with GTA after the police chase.
- The city reported a significant decrease in GTA cases following the introduction of new anti-theft technology in modern cars.
- While the suspect claimed he was merely borrowing the vehicle, the prosecution presented evidence of forced entry to secure a conviction for GTA.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.