pinball

[pin-bawl]

noun

1. any of various games played on a sloping, glass-topped table presenting a field of colorful, knoblike target pins and rails, the object usually being to shoot a ball, driven by a spring, up a side passage and cause it to roll back down against these projections and through channels, which electrically flash or ring and record the score.

pinball

/ ˈpɪnˌbɔːl /

noun

1. 1. a game in which the player shoots a small ball through several hazards on a table, electrically operated machine, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pinball machine

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinball¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; pin + ball ¹

Example Sentences

A Naples cardiologist, Gursoy has no obvious experience working with the federal government; much of his online footprint centers on his enthusiasm for pinball.

From Salon

Other attendees, lounging on cushions throughout the boutique, gazed down at their e-readers but peeked as cats bounced around like pinballs in their periphery.

From Los Angeles Times

After recovering from a serious hip injury, Breach has rediscovered her pinball zing.

From BBC

And while claw gizmos and plastic figurines aren’t my thing, I understand their popularity and wouldn’t mind their presence if there was a greater supply of old-school games, and perhaps some pinball machines.

From Los Angeles Times

The complex even boasted a Las Vegas Room, complete with pinball machines and other games of chance.

From Salon