pachinko

[puh-ching-koh]

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.

pachinko

/ pəˈtʃɪŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese game similar to pinball

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachinko¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pachinko¹

C20: possibly from Japanese pachin, imitative of the sound of a ball being fired by a trigger

Example Sentences

"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

Bonds forged from necessity create a family network that allows its members to survive World War II, only to struggle with excess when their pachinko parlors become highly successful.

From Los Angeles Times

It also makes toys and pachinko and so-called “pachislot” machines, and owns intellectual property in animation works.

From Seattle Times

They had no experience in the business — Sadao’s family owned a Tokyo pachinko parlor — but figured it would be easier to master than other trades.

From Los Angeles Times

A construction crane snapped and a window at a pachinko parlor was shattered in Kagoshima city, southwestern Japan.

From Seattle Times