croquet

American  

[kroh-key, kroh-key, -kee] / kroʊˈkeɪ, ˈkroʊ keɪ, -ki /

noun

1. a game played by knocking wooden balls through metal wickets with mallets.

2. (in croquet) the act of driving away an opponent's ball by striking one's own when the two are in contact.

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verb (used with object)

croqueted, croqueting

1. to drive away (a ball) by a croquet.

croquet British  

/ ˈkrəʊkeɪ, -kɪ /

noun

1. a game for two to four players who hit a wooden ball through iron hoops with mallets in order to hit a peg

2. the act of croqueting

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verb

1. to drive away (another player's ball) by hitting one's own ball when the two are in contact

Etymology

Origin of croquet

1855–60; < French (dial.): hockey stick, literally, little hook; crocket

Example Sentences

It’s croquet for people who like running on the tops of speeding trains.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

He was also photographed playing croquet with his staff on the lawn at Dorneywood, the official country home that came with the job of deputy prime minister.

From New York Times • Nov. 21, 2024

But, in a further embarrassment, he felt compelled to give up his country pile, Dorneywood, after being pictured on its lawns playing croquet with his staff - an image at odds with his down-to-earth reputation.

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2024

And it’s hard to play a cutthroat game of croquet in your flower beds.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

He says, Frankie, what’s the use of not playing croquet when you’re doomed?

From "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir" by Frank McCourt