billiards

American  

[bil-yerdz] / ˈbɪl yərdz /

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.

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billiards British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• billiardist noun

Etymology

Origin of billiards

First recorded in 1585–95; plural of billiard

Example Sentences

The seven-bedroom main residence is Mediterranean in style, with a dramatic entry atrium, high coffered ceilings, expansive living and entertaining areas, covered loggias and a club-style game room and billiards lounge with a full bar.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

Now proprietors are going after adults with concepts like Holey Moley and Punch Bowl Social, which combines eating and drinking with nostalgic amusements such as billiards, bowling, darts and arcade games.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

As a player, he reached the 1975 and 1977 world amateur billiards semi-finals and rose to ninth in the world rankings.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2024

Or visit the recreation center where you can play shuffleboard, duckpin bowling, ping pong, billiards and board games.

From New York Times • May 26, 2024

He headed toward the billiards room, stumbling past the vice minister, who smiled and shrugged and went back to saying his goodbyes.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French