pachinko

American  

[puh-ching-koh] / pəˈtʃɪŋ koʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese pinball game played on a vertical machine in which slots struck by the player's ball release other balls that in turn are exchanged for noncash prizes.

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pachinko British  

/ pəˈtʃɪŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese game similar to pinball

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Etymology

Origin of pachinko

1950–55; < Japanese, equivalent to pachin click! (imitative) + -ko diminutive suffix

Explanation

Pachinko is a Japanese arcade game, similar to pinball but without the flippers. If you are in Japan and have a yen for gambling, try pachinko instead of a slot machine. Pinball aficionados may be familiar with this Japanese loaner, a 20th century word that means a form of pinball popular in Japan. The first part of the word is imitative and is eerily similar to English ka-ching! the –ko on the end is a diminutive suffix. If you need a little color in your life, do an image search on the word.

Example Sentences

Like the pachinko game that serves as title and metaphor for the series and the Min Jin Lee book on which it is based, action and reaction overpower whatever plans we might make.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2025

"Konami shifted its strategy for a while, away from console games, and focused its efforts on the amusements markets, things like pachinko machines," Mr Dring said.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

On the lucky extra-attacker goal from Evan Rodrigues, the puck changed direction like a pachinko ball, striking Kraken defenders as it went.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2023

In the weeks and months that followed, shopping centres switched off escalators, factories pared back assembly line times, and pachinko gambling parlours - famous for their flashing lights and noisy machines - were temporarily shut.

From Reuters • Jul. 28, 2022

There are glimpses of a few more outlandish ideas, too, like some hilariously tall ramps and a building that looks inspired by a pachinko board.

From The Verge • Jun. 30, 2022