noun
backgammon
BAK-gam-un/ˈbækɡæmən/
A board game in which two players use dice to move pieces around triangular points.
The backgammon board has triangular points, contrasting counters, and two dice.
Etymology
The name combines back with gamen, “game,” apparently referring to pieces sometimes being forced to go backward. It thus names the game through a reversal players can suffer.
More examples
- She rolled the dice before moving her backgammon pieces.
- The backgammon board folds shut for travel.
- A game of backgammon can change quickly after a lucky roll.