skittle

American  

[skit-l] / ˈskɪt l /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. (used with a singular verb) skittles, ninepins in which a wooden ball or disk is used to knock down the pins.

2. one of the pins used in this game.

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skittle British  

/ ˈskɪtəl /

noun

1. a wooden or plastic pin, typically widest just above the base

2. Also called (esp US): ninepins.  (plural; functioning as singular) a bowling game in which players knock over as many skittles as possible by rolling a wooden ball at them

3. informal (often used with a negative) an easy time; amusement

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Etymology

Origin of skittle

1625–35; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skutill shuttle, arrow; Danish skyttel shuttle

Example Sentences

Twenty wickets fell at the MCG on a chaotic opening day of the Boxing Day Test as Australia were bowled out for 152 before England were skittled for 110.

From BBC

But with England skittled out for 110 in 29.5 overs in less than a session, the pace bowling battery have another big job ahead on Saturday to keep their side in the game.

From Barron's

A fired-up England skittled Australia for just 152 on day one of the fourth Ashes Test Friday after the hosts were sent in on a bowler-friendly track at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

From Barron's

The tourists' five fast bowlers reduced Australia to 123-9 at the close in Perth after England had been skittled for 172.

From BBC

In the group-stage fixture between these teams, South Africa were skittled for just 69 as England's spinners ripped through them, and it immediately looked like their World Cup campaign was on the ropes.

From BBC