bocce

noun

boc·​ce ˈbä-chē 

variants or less commonly bocci or boccie

: a bowling game of Italian origin played on a long narrow court (as of sand, clay, grass, or carpet) with bocce balls (see bocce balls sense 2) which are rolled to stop as close as possible to a small target ball

called also bocce ball

Examples of bocce in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are also two restaurants, a bar, and a continental breakfast room at the lodge, which is the social centerpiece of Kukui’ula – complemented by pickleball, bocce, pools, water slide, game room, fitness center and a spa. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

The Italian Family Festa heads into its second day today, July 26, at San Jose’s History Park with bocce and kids’ activities, music, food and wine — and cultural displays including a Roman encampment and Renaissance-era flag waving. — Jose Carlos Fajardo, Mercury News, 26 July 2026

In Martha’s summer entertaining arsenal are some old-fashioned lawn games, like croquet or bocce. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 20 July 2026

The nearly 3-acre lot features a guest house, pool, bocce court, and olive and fruit trees. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian bocce, plural of boccia ball, from Vulgar Latin *bottia boss

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing bocce

• bocce ball

Rhymes for bocce

• cocci
• diplococci
• micrococci
• pneumococci
• meningococci