pétanque

[pey-tahngk, pe-tahnk]

noun

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

pétanque

/ petɑ̃k /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pétanque¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pétanque¹

from Provençal pèd tanco foot fixed (to the ground)

Example Sentences

Ms Thacker, a grandmother, has spent most of the past four decades enjoying village life: walking to the pub, playing petanque and visiting the local cricket club.

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Similar to petanque, it is played by athletes in wheelchairs who have an impairment that affects their motor function.

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It’s the length of nine pétanque courts!

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To be sure, Lupin Lodge offers an array of activities, including a swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, volleyball court, tennis court, pétanque, basketball net, tetherball, pickleball, children’s playground, table tennis, books, puzzles, board games and cable TV in the clubhouse lounge.

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Bio narrowly missed gold in the 2016 World Petanque Championships in Madagascar, and was desperate to bring the trophy home to his country in last week's tournament.

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