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

---

Etymology

Origin of skittle

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

Example Sentences

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

Proteas quick bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed five of them after he helped skittle Australia for 212 shortly after the tea interval.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2025

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

I’ve never knocked nothin’ down, not even a skittle, since I joined the Peace Society.

From Fighting the Flames by Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael)