waiting game

noun

wait·​ing game ˈwā-tiŋ- How to pronounce waiting game (audio)
: a strategy in which one or more participants withhold action temporarily in the hope of having a favorable opportunity for more effective action later

Examples of waiting game in a Sentence

Until they make their decision, we're just playing a waiting game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Whichever superstar signs first could establish the benchmark for the other, creating a high-stakes waiting game between two camps. Michael Russo, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The waiting game may be painful — but the reliability of the talent guaranteed to be available after the first three picks should be a comfort to Graham and the Bulls front office. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2026 Another challenge is that both sides believe that playing the waiting game will ultimately work in their favor. Willem Marx, NPR, 23 May 2026 The Iran war seems to have devolved into a waiting game. Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for waiting game

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of waiting game was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Waiting game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/waiting%20game. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster