diabolo

[ dee-ab-uh-loh ]

noun

, plural di·ab·o·los

1. a game in which a toplike object is spun, thrown, and caught by or balanced on and whirled along a string the ends of which are fastened to the ends of two sticks that are manipulated by hand.
2. the top used in this game.

diabolo

/ dɪˈæbəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a game in which one throws and catches a spinning top on a cord fastened to two sticks held in the hands
2. the top used in this game

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolo¹

1905–10; < Italian: literally, devil

Word History and Origins

Origin of diabolo¹

C20: from Italian, literally: devil

Example Sentences

Cui ille, ‘Nec mirum, quia de diabolo venerunt, et ad diabolum ibunt.’

From Project Gutenberg

I saw her watch me playing Diabolo, and I know she thinks I do it well.

From Project Gutenberg

All things and all thoughts come back in this play like the top spun by a skilful player of diabolo.

From Project Gutenberg

Segovia still carries on her shield this "Puente del diabolo," with the head of a Roman peering above it.

From Project Gutenberg

The Italians themselves observed the effect and summed it up in their proverb, Inglese italianato un diabolo incarnato.

From Project Gutenberg