skittle

noun

skit·​tle ˈski-tᵊl How to pronounce skittle (audio)
1
skittles plural in form but singular in construction : English ninepins played with a wooden disk or ball
2
: one of the pins used in skittles

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The roots of the term go back to a venerable European lawn game known as skittles. Ben Zimmer, WSJ, 9 Nov. 2018 Games for adults include a barrel race, Wellington throw, skittles, three- legged race and more. Staff Report, Daily Southtown, 6 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'skittle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse skutill harpoon, bolt, Danish skyttel shuttle — more at shuttle

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of skittle was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near skittle

Cite this Entry

“Skittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skittle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

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