skittle

[ skit-l ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

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

skittle

/ 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. beer and skittles informal.
   beer and skittles often used with a negative an easy time; amusement

Word History and Origins

Origin of skittle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of skittle¹

C17: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Swedish, Danish skyttel shuttle

Example Sentences

Quoits hung up on several large nails driven into a wall, and there was a covered skittle alley.

From Project Gutenberg

In the meanwhile in a remote corner of the park the quality was assembled round the skittle-alley.

From Project Gutenberg

Skittle-playing and fighting are all very well; but one may have too much of them.

From Project Gutenberg

There were trap-ball and tennis grounds, and skittle-grounds.

From Project Gutenberg

But the skittle players were in the majority though there was a keen opposition.

From Project Gutenberg