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; 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

Google has a delightful new multiplayer Doodle that lets you play a game of pétanque online.

From The Verge • Jul. 30, 2022

“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

Hey, even pétanque — pétanque! — has been rocked by charges of artificially induced feats.

From Washington Post • Mar. 17, 2019

There are kids in colorful jerseys practicing soccer on one end, grandpas playing a lively game of pétanque on the other.

From New York Times • Dec. 24, 2014