skittle
Americannoun
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skittles
plural
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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
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
Ayub hit 56 off 37 balls at the top of the order and Azam added an unbeaten 50 as Pakistan posted 207-6 before spinner Nawaz's career-best 5-18 helped skittle Australia for 96 in Lahore.
From Barron's ● Feb. 1, 2026
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
In a text Mr. Lloyd said Mr. Callaghan and others “boycotted” the White Horse after the skittle alley skirmish.
From New York Times ● Nov. 28, 2020
For England, the focus couldn’t be sharper: they have to skittle the Windies for under 270.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 19, 2020
Take my blessing, and stand not on the order of your going to it,—but skittle!
From In the Onyx Lobby by Carolyn Wells
"If it had been skittles or something else, I would have said no."
From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2024
Trayon was walking through a neighborhood with skittles.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 6, 2021
Upgrade their water bottle to this sleek design that’s inspired by retro 10 pin bowling skittles and functions as a portable work of art.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2019
Devil among the tailors is one of many variations of table skittles, which is claimed to be a forerunner to tenpin bowling.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2017
John Tookey showed off this new New York craze called break dancing but went spinning out of control into a group of girls, who toppled like skittles.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
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