bowling

American  

[boh-ling] / ˈboʊ lɪŋ /

noun

1. any of several games in which players standing at one end of an alley or green roll balls at standing objects or toward a mark at the other end, especially a game in which a heavy ball is rolled from one end of a wooden alley at wooden pins set up at the opposite end.

2. the game of bowls; lawn bowling.

3. an act or instance of playing or participating in any such game.

   Bowling is a pleasant way to exercise.

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bowling British  

/ ˈbəʊlɪŋ /

noun

1. any of various games in which a heavy ball is rolled down a special alley, usually made of wood, at a group of wooden pins, esp the games of tenpin bowling (tenpins) and skittles (ninepins)

2. the game of bowls

3. cricket the act of delivering the ball to the batsman

4. (modifier) of or relating to bowls or bowling

   a bowling team

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Etymology

Origin of bowling

First recorded in 1525–35; bowl ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But his commentary on the performances, and the history of the sport—the evolution of the bowling ball, for instance—is consistently funny.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 2024, workers said, the company hosted a Christmas party that featured a cash bar at a local bowling alley.

From The Wall Street Journal

Neto left all of that in the hands of his agents last winter, focusing on training but also on a charity bowling tournament to benefit Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Miami.

From Los Angeles Times

Samson toppled the pillars of the West Indies bowling attack in a methodical manner - expertly picking his moments to attack and increase the tempo of the chase with ruthless calculation.

From BBC

Harry Brook's side showed impressive versatility by bowling 16 overs of spin – the most they have ever sent down in a T20 - with all seven dismissals falling to the slow bowlers.

From BBC