What does "bowls" mean?

1. (the sport) a game played on grass where you roll heavy balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball. 2. (sport equipment) the heavy, weighted balls used in the game of bowls.

How do you use "bowls"?

Usually treated as a singular noun when referring to the sport itself.

bowls

US //ˈboʊɫz// UK //bˈəʊlz// bowls

1 the sport (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English Sport

a game played on grass where you roll heavy balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball.

a precision game played on a level or crowned grass surface using biased balls. Often referred to as 'lawn bowls'.

Example

My grandfather spends every Saturday afternoon at the local club playing bowls.

Example

The local bowls club has seen a resurgence in membership as younger residents take an interest in the tactical nuances of the game.

Usage

Usually treated as a singular noun when referring to the sport itself.
- lawn bowls
2 sport equipment (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate British English Sport

the heavy, weighted balls used in the game of bowls.

the biased balls used by players in the game of lawn bowls, designed to curve when rolled.

Example

He polished his bowls carefully before the start of the tournament.

Example

Because the bowls are weighted on one side, the player must account for the curve of the delivery to reach the jack.

Last updated June 20, 2026