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

Explanation

If you love bowling you're a fan of rolling a ball down a long lane and hoping it will knock down the pins at the end. The ball you roll is called a bowling ball. Bowling classically involves very heavy balls that are rolled down the polished wood of a lane, with open gutters at each side, toward the ten pins arranged at the end. Other versions of bowling have smaller balls, differently shaped pins, and different numbers of pins — but the goal is always to knock as many of them over as possible. The game was originally known as "playing at bowls."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bowling

Her expressionless mug has been featured on countless toys, not to mention bowling balls, motor oil, a Fender Strat, a pricey Judith Leiber clutch, sanitary napkins and men’s underwear.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

The storyline is inscrutable, but Walters displays real range, gazing forlornly in the rain, hurling dishes at a wall, grinning and giving high-fives when a family takes him bowling.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

Trescothick is assisted by bowling coach Tim Southee, who was seen on the boundary rope at times during the partnership.

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026

To their credit, Azan Awais and Shan Masood survived 12 overs in the gloom, even if Masood survived a tough chance to third slip Duckett off the bowling of Gus Atkinson.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

It’s been three years since we moved away, and I haven’t even seen him since his bowling party in October.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio