English Reference
Noun

skittles

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈskɪtəɫz/ UK /skˈɪtəlz/ skit·tles

n.a game where you throw a ball to knock down wooden pins. It is similar to bowling, but the pins are smaller and the ball is smaller too.

n.a game in which a player throws a ball to knock down a set of pins. Often used in the plural to refer to the game itself or the pins.


SIMPLE

We played a few games of skittles at the pub.

CONTEXTUAL

The children spent the afternoon playing skittles in the garden, trying to knock down the wooden pins with a small ball.

COMPLEX

While professional bowling requires a heavy ball and a long lane, skittles is a more accessible social game that can be played in smaller spaces with lighter equipment.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated