paintball

American  

[peynt-bawl] / ˈpeɪntˌbɔl /

noun

1. a game in which players mark their opponents with colored gelatin capsules shot out of an air gun.

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Etymology

Origin of paintball

First recorded in 1985-90; paint + ball ¹

Explanation

Paintball is a game in which players shoot harmless pellets full of colored dye at each other. Some people play paintball in teams, mimicking a military-style battle. During a paintball game, players use paintball markers, also known as paintball guns, to shoot capsules of paint at each other. Most people play for fun, although there are also official paintball leagues and teams, complete with organized tournaments. The US military has even used paintball as a way for soldiers to train for battle. The game of paintball was invented in 1981, and the first matches were played in New Hampshire.

Example Sentences

Generally, Bryant says, the volunteer will get into the crawl space with the bear, get behind the massive animal and scare him by yelling, clapping and sometimes firing a paintball gun.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

“The amount of women and men in their 50s and 60s that go nuts over paintball is unbelievable.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

As he ambled toward the woods, West yelled “Hey bear, get out of here bear, go!” and fired powder balls from a paintball gun at him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 17, 2025

The rifle the man was reported to be carrying turned out to be an airsoft gun, a nonlethal replica firearm that shoots plastic pellets and is often used for games like paintball, police said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2024

To take my mind off of things, I load up my paintball gun and practice in the backyard.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman