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

Some nights, his friends would go bowling or go to parties.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

“Without bowling I’d probably be homeless,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

I have bowled, as a child, and later with friends, when it enjoyed a renaissance back in the last century — it was pre-cocktail bowling, the beer years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

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 • Mar. 11, 2026

“I want to see quick feet and clean contact. No bowling each other over, just good defense,” Coach said.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan