snooker

American  

[snook-er, snoo-ker] / ˈsnʊk ər, ˈsnu kər /

noun

1. a variety of pool played with 15 red balls and 6 balls of colors other than red, in which a player must shoot one of the red balls, each with a point value of 1, into a pocket before shooting at one of the other balls, with point values of from 2 to 7.

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verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to deceive, cheat, or dupe.

   to be snookered by a mail order company.

snooker British  

/ ˈsnuːkə /

noun

1. a game played on a billiard table with 15 red balls, six balls of other colours, and a white cue ball. The object is to pot the balls in a certain order

2. a shot in which the cue ball is left in a position such that another ball blocks the object ball. The opponent is then usually forced to play the cue ball off a cushion

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verb

1. to leave (an opponent) in an unfavourable position by playing a snooker

2. to place (someone) in a difficult situation

3. (often passive) to thwart; defeat

Etymology

Origin of snooker

First recorded in 1885–90; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

He had a string of one-liners down pat, a deep mine of anecdotes ready to roll out at any given moment, and a sureness of just how fortunate he had been to stumble on snooker.

From BBC

A two-year-old snooker prodigy has secured multiple Guinness World Records by becoming the youngest person to perform two trick shots.

From BBC

All Paul Hunter ever wanted to do was play snooker.

From BBC

Selby, a two-time winner who is appearing in the final of one of snooker's prestigious Triple Crown events for the 15th time, produced an almost flawless display of snooker over the first five frames.

From BBC

Downstairs, away from the din of the four-to-the-floor beats, a different group of clubgoers take aim on the snooker tables and dart boards while others chat merrily over cut-price pints.

From BBC

Related Words

• choke off
• crimp
• foil
• impede
• obstruct
• stall
• stonewall
• thwart