SINCE 1828

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ninepin

noun nine·pin \ ˈnīn-ˌpin \

Definition of ninepin

1 ninepins plural in form but singular in construction : a bowling game resembling tenpins played without the headpin or having the nine pins in a diamond-shaped configuration with one pin in the center

2 : a pin used in ninepins

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Recent Examples of ninepin from the Web

This includes his longtime personal assistant, his blue-collar brother and the women who fall for him like ninepins — all given vibrant life by the director, Neil Pepe, and a cast that finds the individual quirkiness in everyday stereotypes.

— ben brantley, New York Times, "Review: Kenneth Lonergan’s ‘Hold On to Me Darling,’ a Study of Bad Faith (and Behavior)," 14 Mar. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ninepin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of ninepin

circa 1580

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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