skittle

[skit-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.

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. informal,  (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

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

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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.

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Australia were skittled out for just 180 against West Indies - but hit back with the ball as 14 wickets fell on a chaotic opening day of the first Test in Bridgetown.

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After winning the toss, the six-time winners skittled Pakistan for just 82, the lowest total of the World Cup so far.

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"If it had been skittles or something else, I would have said no."

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