deˈclarer: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “deˈclarer” mean?
In card games, especially bridge, the player whose bid wins the auction and plays the hand for their partnership, trying to win a specified number of tricks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In card games, especially bridge, the player whose bid wins the auction and plays the hand for their partnership, trying to win a specified number of tricks.
More generally, one who states something formally or announces it; one who makes a declaration, such as for customs or tax purposes. However, this broader use is rare compared to the dominant card game sense.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or use. The term is standard in the rules of bridge internationally.
Connotations
Neutral, purely functional within its domain.
Frequency
Identical frequency in card-playing contexts in both varieties. Non-card meanings are equally rare in both.
Grammar
How to Use “deˈclarer” in a Sentence
[Player] is/becomes the declarer.The declarer [verb, e.g., played, succeeded, finessed].It is the declarer's responsibility to...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Possible in metaphorical use: 'The CEO was the declarer of the new company strategy.'
Academic
Very rare outside of game theory or specific analyses of bridge.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used when discussing card games like bridge.
Technical
Standard, precise term in contract bridge and related card games.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “deˈclarer”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deˈclarer”
- Using 'declarer' as a general synonym for 'person who says something'.
- Confusing 'declarer' with 'dummy' (the declarer's partner whose hand is exposed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Overwhelmingly, yes. While it can theoretically refer to anyone who makes a declaration, in practice its usage is almost entirely confined to contract bridge and similar card games like whist.
The declarer is the active player from the partnership that won the bid. The 'dummy' is declarer's partner, who places their hand face-up on the table after the opening lead, and takes no further part in play; declarer plays both hands.
No, 'declarer' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'declare' (e.g., 'to declare a suit').
No, it is a specialised B2-level term. Learners only need to know it if they are learning about card games or encounter it in specific contexts. The much more common and useful word is the verb 'declare'.
In card games, especially bridge, the player whose bid wins the auction and plays the hand for their partnership, trying to win a specified number of tricks.
Deˈclarer is usually technical / specialized in register.
Deˈclarer: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈkleə.rər/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈkler.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Play the hand as declarer.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DECLARER who makes a DECLARation of how many tricks they will win in a card game.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PLAYER IS A COMMANDER (The declarer directs the play of two hands towards a declared goal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'declarer' most commonly and precisely used?