pinball machine

noun

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of pinball machine

: an amusement device in which a ball propelled by a plunger scores points as it rolls down a slanting surface among pins and targets — called also pinball game

See pinball machine defined for kids

Recent Examples of pinball machine from the Web

The decor is frontier-chic with rough-hewn woods, an eye-catching chandelier made from antlers and even a trophy buck mounted above the pinball machines (more local breweries need these!).

— john verive, latimes.com, "Why craft beer lovers should be drinking in Covina and Pomona," 4 Apr. 2018
Upstairs, the loft boasts a vintage Addams Family pinball machine, bubble hockey, and a virtual reality gaming station.

— BostonGlobe.com, "At a Lake Winnipesaukee getaway, a ‘barn’ designed for fun," 30 Mar. 2018
Former pinball machine producer Eugene Jarvis developed the game, and would go on to create other important titles like Midway’s Cruis’n car racing game series and the 1982 arcade shooter, Total Carnage.

— nick vadala, Philly.com, "Video game history gets its day with 'Game Masters' exhibit at Franklin Institute," 28 Mar. 2018
Arthur Gelb, the human pinball machine who served for decades as The New York Times culture czar, had many fantastic stories.

— maureen dowd, New York Times, "Rebecca Miller on the Mother of All Subjects: Her Father," 11 Mar. 2018
The arcade is cavernous, drafty, majestic, lined with pinball machines.

— jason fagone, San Francisco Chronicle, "London Breed’s sudden, short term as SF’s acting mayor," 28 Jan. 2018
Kathleen Purvis Tip Top Daily Market The smallest and funkiest, right down to the pinball machine.

— kathleen purvis, charlotteobserver, "Here's a guide to Charlotte's 8 best urban markets | Charlotte Observer," 20 Feb. 2018
Artwork on the back wall, a few pinball machines and arcades, and the bar taps behind the counter betray its standing as a neighborhood haunt.

— patrick cooley, cleveland.com, "B-Side Liquor Lounge evolves as it survives growing pains," 19 Feb. 2018
The bird has been documenting his travels on Instagram with photos in Indianapolis, making like the Who’s Tommy on a pinball machine in St. Louis, and on the steps of a theater in Oklahoma.

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "That ‘emotional support’ peacock has a colorful origin — with South Florida roots," 2 Feb. 2018

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