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

If billiards has the reputation of being a pastime for gamblers, hustlers and hanger-oners, the female-centric biweekly pool tournament at 4100 Bar offers a friendly, supportive alternative.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

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

An idealized version of the game of billiards has fascinated mathematicians for decades.

From Science Daily • Apr. 11, 2024

“Awfully medieval, jousting. A man could get hurt. I’ll stick to billiards, what?”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood