rummy

¹

[ ruhm-ee ]

noun

1. any of various card games for two, three, or four players, each usually being dealt seven, nine, or ten cards, in which the object is to match cards into sets and sequences.

rummy

²

[ ruhm-ee ]

noun

, plural rum·mies.

1. Slang: Disparaging and Offensive. a habitual drinker of alcohol who is frequently intoxicated.

adjective

1. of or like rum.

rummy

³

[ ruhm-ee ]

adjective

, Chiefly British Slang.

, rum·mi·er, rum·mi·est.

1. odd; peculiar.

rummy

¹

/ ˈrʌmɪ /

noun

1. a card game based on collecting sets and sequences

rummy

²

/ ˈrʌmɪ /

noun

1. a slang word for drunkard

adjective

1. of or like rum in taste or smell

rummy

³

/ ˈrʌmɪ /

adjective

1. another word for rum 2

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; perhaps special use of rummy ³

Origin of rummy²

First recorded in 1840–45; rum ¹ + -y ¹

Origin of rummy³

First recorded in 1820–30; rum ² + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of rummy¹

C20: perhaps from rum ²

Example Sentences

“Now, how about a game of gin rummy?”

From Literature

Without much warning, these adults will suddenly start speaking in a cartoonish voice: Eric turns rummy as a mannered Brit named Charles, while Rachel murmurs as “Moopie-Moopie.”

From Los Angeles Times

During tough negotiations over a child care bill with Bob Packwood of Oregon, he challenged her to a game of gin rummy.

From New York Times

“After that, we’ll play board games. We love to play board games — dominoes, backgammon, gin rummy.”

From Seattle Times

“Have you played gin rummy with another counselor before?”

From Literature