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

Barry is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, one of the leading promoters in boxing, darts and snooker, while his son Eddie is chairman of the organisation.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Barry Hearn is the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, one of the leading promoters across boxing, darts and snooker.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The baby-faced snooker magician showed off some shots to the ooh-ing and ah-ing audience, including when he played one fan, Liu YiFei.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Zhao's victory 12 months ago was regarded as a seismic moment for Chinese snooker.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

There was a snooker table in the basement of the Chelsea house and he’d often spent evenings playing against his uncle.

From "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz

Related Words

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