Canasta

/kəˈnæstə/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A card game for two to six players, played with two decks of cards, where the objective is to form melds of seven cards of the same rank.

We gathered the family for a night of canasta and laughter.

A meld of seven cards of the same rank in the game of canasta.

She laid down a canasta of sevens, scoring big points.

A variant of rummy that requires players to make as many melds as possible.

After learning the rules, we enjoyed an exciting game of canasta.

The word 'canasta' comes from the Spanish word for 'basket', referring to the way cards are collected in the game.

wild canasta

A canasta that includes wild cards.

going out

The act of finishing the game by playing all cards.

cards

Pieces of paper or plastic used to play a variety of games.

meld

A combination of cards laid out to score points.

To win decisively in a game of canasta.

He canasta'd her, leaving no chance for a comeback.

To cheat or play unfairly in canasta.

Don't try to canasta the rules, we all know how to play fairly.