billiards

[bil-yerdz]

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. any of several games played with hard balls of ivory or a similar material that are driven with a cue on a cloth-covered table enclosed by a raised rim of rubber, especially a game played with a cue ball and two object balls on a table without pockets.

billiards

/ ˈbɪljədz /

noun

1. any of various games in which long cues are used to drive balls now made of composition or plastic. It is played on a rectangular table covered with a smooth tight-fitting cloth and having raised cushioned edges

2. a version of this, played on a rectangular table having six pockets let into the corners and the two longer sides. Points are scored by striking one of three balls with the cue to contact the other two or one of the two Compare pool 2 snooker

Other Word Forms

• billiardist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of billiards¹

First recorded in 1585–95; plural of billiard

Word History and Origins

Origin of billiards¹

C16: from Old French billard curved stick, from Old French bille log; see _billet ²