meeple
A small, stylized wooden or plastic figure used as a player token or worker in modern board games.
Specifically refers to the iconic, human-shaped wooden figures popularized by the game Carcassonne, though it is now used for any small wooden game figure.
Word relationships
- token: Token is a generic term for any marker, while meeple specifically refers to a stylized, usually human-shaped figure.
- pawn: Pawn is associated with Chess and traditional games, whereas meeple is strictly associated with modern Euro-style games.
Commonly confused with
- miniature: A miniature is a highly detailed, realistic plastic figure (often used in wargames), while a meeple is a simple, abstract wooden shape.
Word family
- meeples (noun): Plural form of meeple.
Collocations
- wooden meeple
- place a meeple
- custom meeple
Example sentences
- "I placed my blue meeple on the road tile to claim it as a thief, hoping to score points when the road is completed." A casual conversation during a game of Carcassonne.
Memory hook
It sounds like 'My People'. Picture a little wooden person standing on a board and saying, 'I am one of your people—I am your meeple!' My people = Meeple.
When not to use
Do not use in formal business or academic writing unless specifically discussing the board game industry.
Fun facts
- The meeple has become the universal mascot and symbol of the modern board gaming hobby, appearing on logos, t-shirts, and trophies worldwide.
Explore more words
mannequin, token, multiplayer, cooperative, emoticon, artisan
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