# game over

> English word · Phrase · IPA /ˌɡeɪm ˈəʊ.və(ɹ)/

## Definitions
1. A message signaling that the game has ended, usually because the player failed (for example by losing all of their lives) but sometimes following successful completion of the game.
2. The end of some ongoing situation due to either failure or success, typically failure.
3. death.

## Etymology
The message originated on pinball machines and has been very widely used in video games.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/game-over