candlepin

[ kan-dl-pin ]

noun

1. a bowling pin that is almost cylindrical and can be set up on either end, used in a game resembling tenpins.
2. candlepins, (used with a singular verb) the game played with such pins.

candlepin

/ ˈkændəlˌpɪn /

noun

1. a bowling pin, as used in skittles, tenpin bowling, candlepins, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of candlepin¹

First recorded in 1900–05; candle + pin

Example Sentences

The bowling alley is home to traditional tenpin bowling as well as candlepin, a variant of bowling found in New England.

From Washington Times

And since you’re from New England, was it in candlepin bowling?

From New York Times

Now that life is absent so many of the things that make it worth living — rock shows, theater, movies, restaurants, dinner parties, opera, candlepin bowling — one learns to take one’s pleasures where one can.

From New York Times

Eight of the women also play golf at Hillcrest CC in Leicester and candlepin bowl at Colonial Bowling Center.

From Washington Times

The recreation center has vintage candlepin bowling played with balls small enough for little hands to grip.

From New York Times