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

Examples of skittle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Plus, with their diet of goat skittles, horse turds, and their favorite treat chicken poop, their gas is industrial strength toxic waste. Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026 Add a bit of interest to the classic French manicure with a blue skittle effect. Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 19 Feb. 2026 Even Sinner’s groundstroke attacks rarely knocked over the skittles in Alcaraz’s playground. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 No matter the concentration, there are five unique flavors available: skittles, peppermint, lemon lime, choco mint, and cinnamon. Dr. Diana Rangaves, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Customers will be able to try the limited-edition skittles and have the chance to purchase some French’s merch. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 26 July 2023 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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Skittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/skittle. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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