# roms

/ˈɹɑmz/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/roms
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

digital copies of video game software that you can run on a computer or a special device. They are often used to play old games on modern hardware.

For teachers: digital files containing the software code of a video game, typically extracted from original cartridges or discs. Often used in the context of retro gaming and emulation.

## Examples

- He downloaded several roms to play on his old computer.
- The community maintains a large database of roms to ensure that classic arcade games remain playable on modern systems.
- While the legal status of roms remains a contentious issue, many developers now release their own digital versions of classic titles to satisfy the demand for retro gaming experiences.

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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.