candlepin

American  

[kan-dl-pin] / ˈkæn dlˌpɪn /

noun

1. a bowling pin that is almost cylindrical and can be set up on either end, used in a game resembling tenpins.

2. (used with a singular verb) candlepins, the game played with such pins.

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candlepin British  

/ ˈkændəlˌpɪn /

noun

1. a bowling pin, as used in skittles, tenpin bowling, candlepins, etc

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Etymology

Origin of candlepin

First recorded in 1900–05; candle + pin

Example Sentences

Anyone beyond the land of candlepin bowling and cringing at red clam chowder thought they had a better shot at finishing at the bottom of the standings than reaching the Super Bowl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 26, 2026

McCracken’s long-awaited new novel offers a rich family saga, a history of candlepin bowling and a burlesque chronicle of American oddballs.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2019

People have been bowling perfect games in tenpin since the turn of the 20th century; nobody has ever bowled a perfect game of candlepin, a strike every ball for an unthinkable score of 300.

From Slate • Feb. 5, 2019

Imagine the Great American Novel with a female protagonist who starts a New England candlepin bowling dynasty, and you’ll have some idea of this delicious family saga.

From Washington Post • Jan. 28, 2019

There’s the candlepin bowling league, where he sports a 97 average, and the 8-ball pool league, where his team is vying for its third consecutive league title.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2016