five hundred rummy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare (Specialist)Informal, Gaming
Quick answer
What does “five hundred rummy” mean?
A popular variant of the classic card game Rummy, where the primary objective is to score a total of 500 points by forming sets and sequences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular variant of the classic card game Rummy, where the primary objective is to score a total of 500 points by forming sets and sequences.
Refers specifically to a contract rummy game where players must complete specific pre-determined 'contracts' or sets of melds in a fixed order across successive rounds, with the first player to reach 500 points winning the entire game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is known and played in both regions with largely identical rules. The name is consistent, but related terminology (e.g., 'meld' vs. 'lay down') may show slight regional preference.
Connotations
Connotes a specific, often social, card game requiring strategy and memory, typically played in homes or casual settings rather than casinos.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used only within the context of card games.
Grammar
How to Use “five hundred rummy” in a Sentence
We played [five hundred rummy] for hours.Do you know how to play [five hundred rummy]?He won the match by reaching 500 points in [five hundred rummy].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “five hundred rummy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We rummyed our way to 500 points.
- He's rummying with his mates.
American English
- We rummied until midnight.
- She loves to rummy on weekends.
adjective
British English
- They have a regular five hundred rummy night.
- It was a classic five hundred rummy move.
American English
- He's a five hundred rummy champion.
- We need a fifth for our five hundred rummy game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or game theory studies of card games.
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, family games, or social activities.
Technical
Used in game rules, gaming forums, or by card game enthusiasts to specify this particular variant.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “five hundred rummy”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “five hundred rummy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “five hundred rummy”
- Incorrect hyphenation (e.g., 'five-hundred-rummy').
- Confusing it with the unrelated card game 'Five Hundred' (a trick-taking game).
- Using as a countable noun (e.g., 'a five hundred rummy' is wrong; it's 'a game of...').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different games. 'Five Hundred' is a trick-taking game like Euchre, while 'Five Hundred Rummy' is a melding and matching game.
Yes, it can be played with 2 to 8 players, though 3 to 5 is most common. Rule adjustments for draws and deals are often made for two players.
A contract is a specific combination of melds (sets or sequences) that a player must complete in a given round before they can lay down any other cards. The required contract changes each round.
No special cards are needed. It is typically played with two standard 52-card decks plus four Jokers (108 cards total).
A popular variant of the classic card game Rummy, where the primary objective is to score a total of 500 points by forming sets and sequences.
Five hundred rummy is usually informal, gaming in register.
Five hundred rummy: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfaɪv ˈhʌn.drəd ˈrʌm.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfaɪv ˈhʌn.drəd ˈrʌm.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Go out (to finish a round by melding all cards)”
- “Stuck with the joker (holding an unmeldable wild card at round's end)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a goal: 'A FIVE-ton lorry needs a HUNDRED runs to deliver RUM to MY house' -> Five Hundred Rummy.
Conceptual Metaphor
GAME IS A JOURNEY ('reach 500 points', 'go out'), MENTAL ACTIVITY IS CONSTRUCTION ('forming sets', 'building melds').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'five hundred rummy' primarily classified as?