English Reference

Word

bowling

Phoneticsbowl·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈboʊɫɪŋ/

UK/bˈəʊlɪŋ/

Definitions

01tenpin game

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Sports

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

n. 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.

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

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

Synonyms

tenpins

02cricket delivery

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

Antonyms

03walking style

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Slang · Informal

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

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

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

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

Synonyms

struttingswaggering

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Common
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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