English Reference
noun

bowling

n.
US /ˈboʊɫɪŋ/ UK /bˈəʊlɪŋ/ bowl·ing

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Sport

    a game played inside where you roll a heavy ball down a wooden lane to knock over ten wooden pins.

    a game in which a heavy ball is rolled down a long, narrow lane toward a group of ten wooden pins. Uncountable in this general sense.

    Simple

    We are going bowling tonight for my brother's birthday party.

    In context

    The local bowling alley has seen a resurgence in popularity since they renovated the lanes and added a modern scoring system.

    tenpins
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the action of throwing the ball towards the batsman in the game of cricket.

    the action of delivering the ball to the batsman in cricket, typically performed with a straight arm.

    Simple

    His fast bowling made it very difficult for the other team to score points.

    In context

    The captain decided to change the bowling strategy after the opening batsman managed to hit several boundaries in the first few overs.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency SlangInformal

    a confident or aggressive way of walking often seen in street culture.

    a specific, often exaggerated or rhythmic style of walking associated with urban street culture.

    Simple

    He was bowling down the street like he owned the whole neighborhood.

    In context

    The youth's distinctive bowling walk and confident posture immediately signaled his status within the local social hierarchy.

    struttingswaggering
This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated