ninepins

[ nahyn-pinz ]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) tenpins played without the head pin.
2. ninepin, a pin used in this game.

ninepins

/ ˈnaɪnˌpɪnz /

noun

1. functioning as singular another name for skittles See skittle
2. singular one of the pins used in this game

Word History and Origins

Origin of ninepins¹

1570–80; nine + pin ( def 12 )

Example Sentences

‘They are all fifty feet high. They’d knock us down like ninepins!’

From Literature

Melanie wasn’t sure they ought to use up one of Marshall’s tenpins; but April pointed out that there was nothing wrong with the game of ninepins.

From Literature

Her sleek looks, and ability to flirt and make men laugh, saw them fall like ninepins at her high-heeled feet.

From The Guardian

Records tumbled like ninepins as cinemas bruised by 2014's lacklustre takings got the perfect pick-me-up: namely, one must-see blockbuster after another.

From BBC

“Haunted?” said I. “Yes, indeed. There’s an old story says there are little men up here who play ninepins right down in that gorge in the twilight.”

From Literature