Electronic Word Definition Games

• You could learn new words from a dictionary, or from a far more fun game.dictionary image by robert lerich from Fotolia.com
  
  One of the best ways to learn more about a culture--be it your own or that in a foreign country--is to learn the language as deeply as possible. Learning new words not only helps you communicate, but also gives you a deeper understanding about the language as a whole. Of course, the downside is that learning new words is a little dry on its own--unless you have a fun game, and fortunately there are a many of them available online.
  
  

Robo-Bee

• As a little electronic bee looking to pollenate a garden with the right words, you're guiding the little guy across all of the flowers. The game presents you with a handful of words and a question. Either a fill in the blank or the definition for which you have to choose the word. The game starts off presenting little challenge, but the difficulty increases as you complete more levels. Before you know it, a beautiful garden will grow, as does your knowledge.
  
  

FreeRice

• If learning isn't enough of an incentive for you, helping to feed people in third-world countries with just a few mouse clicks might. With "FreeRice," every correct answer nets you 10 grains of rice, donated to someone who needs to eat. Practice well, and you'll not only learn new words every day, but you'll earn some extra karma. The game presents one word, and you have to choose a word that means the same thing from the list of four. Help feed the world with your mind.
  
  

Match It

• Drawing a line between a word and its definition is an incredibly simple task, yet it can really help by presenting you with a handful of possible answers and letting you figure them all out. This game gives you the advantage of process of elimination. Once you've cleared out the answers you know for a fact, you can figure the rest out from the remaining answers.
  
  

My Word Coach

• Nintendo DS owners can use the unique touch screen set-up to help teach some new words. The "My Word Coach" program is one of Nintendo's educational games, many of which combine the ease of use that the game consoles are known for, with solid instruction and positive reinforcement for learning. In addition to a handful of game modes, the game also charts your progress, which helps give you a sense of real improvement. On top of that, it's more portable than the other games.