bingo

[ bing-goh ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a form of lotto in which balls or slips, each with a number and one of the letters B, I, N, G, or O, are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers printed on their cards, the winner being the first to cover five numbers in any row or diagonal or, sometimes, all numbers on the card.

interjection

1. (used to call a win in bingo.)
2. (used to express suddenness or swiftness, as of an action):

   He waved his hand, and, bingo, the card reappeared.

3. (used to acknowledge someone's sudden understanding or correct response):

   Bingo! That's just what I meant!

bingo

/ ˈbɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. See lotto
   a gambling game, usually played with several people, in which numbers selected at random are called out and the players cover the numbers on their individual cards. The first to cover a given arrangement of numbers is the winner Compare lotto

sentence substitute

1. a cry by the winner of a game of bingo
2. an expression of surprise at a sudden occurrence or the successful completion of something

   and bingo! the lights went out

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

First recorded in 1935–40; apparently alteration of beano ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

C19: perhaps from bing , imitative of a bell ringing to mark the win

Example Sentences

In handsome artist books, Irene Chan reinterprets diversions as complex as the I Ching and as simple as bingo.

From Washington Post

Register to get printable bingo cards for two rounds of bingo — plus, local District registrants can get 10 percent off Red Bear Brewing’s 2021 Pride Helles lager.

From Washington Post

On the final day, lawmakers also ironed out how to launch the state’s sports betting industry by this fall, setting aside gambling licenses for professional sports teams, casinos, horse tracks and bingo halls.

From Washington Post

She hasn’t been to the movies or played bingo, but has continued thrift-store shopping.

From Washington Post

After the Depression ended, the spread of legalized gambling — except for charitable bingo — slowed.

From Washington Post

Print this bingo card set and find resources for male allies at www.maleallies.com.

From The Daily Beast

Folks come from all over to play bingo, make their political views known — often in awesome and ridiculous ways — and eat.

From The Daily Beast

Because bingo and bingo-like activities are harmless and fun, Boghossian urges atheists to focus instead on the problem of faith.

From The Daily Beast

While you watch, you can take our live-updating poll and play a little Bingo!

From The Daily Beast

Lawless said he found the fair punctuated with games like Orgasm Bingo, Pin the Clitoris on the Vulva, and the Tent of Consent.

From The Daily Beast

And Bingo answered with a sigh, "I suppose a fellow has to go to bed even after a Freshman fire."

From Project Gutenberg

Just imagine, a little suggestion and, bingo, all this is the result.

From Project Gutenberg

Binks (Sir Bingo), a fox-hunting baronet, and visitor at the Spa.

From Project Gutenberg

Bingo galloped on, and she fell to the ground, striking her head against the iron-bound stake at the edge of the ring.

From Project Gutenberg

The "tumblers" arranged themselves around the ring with paper hoops; Bingo was fairly racing.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• poker
• roulette