# pinball

/ˈpɪnˌbɔɫ/ (US) · /pˈɪnbɔːl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pinball
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a game where you use buttons to hit a small metal ball around a glass-covered machine. You try to keep the ball from falling into a hole at the bottom.

For teachers: an arcade game in which a player uses flippers to manipulate one or more metal balls inside a glass-covered cabinet. Points are scored by hitting various targets and bumpers on the playfield.

## Examples

- He spends his weekends playing pinball at the local arcade.
- The old café in the corner of the station still has a vintage pinball machine that works with coins.
- While digital gaming has largely superseded mechanical amusements, pinball maintains a dedicated following among collectors who appreciate the tactile physics and intricate engineering of the physical machines.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the game itself; countable when referring to the specific machine ('a pinball machine' or 'a pinball').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.