skittle
Americannoun
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(used with a singular verb) skittles, ninepins in which a wooden ball or disk is used to knock down the pins.
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one of the pins used in this game.
noun
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a wooden or plastic pin, typically widest just above the base
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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
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informal (often used with a negative) an easy time; amusement
Etymology
Origin of skittle
1625–35; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skutill shuttle, arrow; Danish skyttel shuttle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The 35-year-old was a one-man wrecking ball against England at Perth Stadium, taking 7-58 to skittle them for 172.
From Barron's • Nov. 21, 2025
Ash Gardner did the rest, taking a magnificent 8-66 to skittle England and confirm an 89-run victory - but more significantly, a 4-0 points lead in the multi-format series.
From BBC • Jun. 26, 2023
Opener Shan Masood orchestrated Multan’s healthy total of 183-5 with 73 off 42 balls before leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s haul of 3-7 helped skittle out Quetta for 73 in 12.1 overs.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 16, 2021
At the time, it housed a skittle alley, an ancient version of bowling.
From New York Times • Nov. 28, 2020
The sides of the skittle ground were decorated by the hanging of table covers, curtains, pieces of carpet, sheets, or anything else that would cover over the walls.
From Rambling Recollections of Chelsea by an old inhabitant by Ellenor, J. B.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
