pétanque

American  

[pey-tahngk, pe-tahnk] / peɪˈtɑŋk, pɛˈtɑ̃k /

noun

1. a form of lawn bowling originating in France, usually played on rough ground using steel balls.

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pétanque British  

/ petɑ̃k /

noun

1. another name, esp in the South of France, for boules

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Etymology

Origin of pétanque

1950–55; < French < Provençal pé foot (< Latin ped-, stem of pēs ) + tanco post, stake (derivative of tancar to close, bar < Vulgar Latin *stanticāre; see stanch ¹); so called because the feet are to be planted firmly on the ground, as if staked, when the ball is released

Example Sentences

"In every neighbourhood, in every street, you'll see people playing pétanque," he added.

From Reuters • Sep. 18, 2023

If you haven’t heard of pétanque — I hadn’t before writing this article — it’s a game that’s kind of like bocce ball.

From The Verge • Jul. 30, 2022

Enjoy a drink or snack at the casual Café de la Place, another regular haunt of Chagall’s, overlooking the local marketplace and pétanque players.

From Washington Post • Sep. 30, 2021

“The high points of these three days are in particular the pétanque competitions, the egg race and the onion soup.”

From The Guardian • Jul. 13, 2021

The French game of pétanque — kind of like bocce — takes center court this weekend at festivities around the city.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2014