1. A game in which two players alternately take objects from a pile, with the goal of forcing the opponent to take the last object (or in some variants, to avoid taking it).
Usage: mathematics; game theory

1. To steal or take something, especially in a quick or sly manner.
Usage: archaic; informal

Examples

• The children played nim during recess, removing stones from the pile one at a time.
• In nim, the player who takes the last object loses in the standard version.
• Mathematicians have proven optimal strategies for winning at nim.
• He tried to nim a cookie from the jar when no one was looking.
• The magician would nim coins from the audience's pockets as part of his act.