Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Despite a 73-run partnership between brothers Ben and Harry Manenti, Italy were always behind the rate and once they were removed, Scotland skittled the tail for a comfortable win.

From BBC

The left-armer snared three wickets in a dramatic over to flip the game on its head as the hosts were skittled for 116 with three balls to spare.

From Barron's

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