pinball

[ pin-bawl ]

noun

1. any of various games played on a sloping, glass-topped table presenting a field of colorful, knoblike target pins and rails, the object usually being to shoot a ball, driven by a spring, up a side passage and cause it to roll back down against these projections and through channels, which electrically flash or ring and record the score.

pinball

/ ˈpɪnˌbɔːl /

noun

1. 1. a game in which the player shoots a small ball through several hazards on a table, electrically operated machine, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pinball machine

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinball¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; pin + ball ¹

Example Sentences

Whether you’re fiercely into tabletop games, robots, pinball, dinosaurs, space, comic books or close-up magic, here’s where you can find your people.

From Los Angeles Times

And 3 1/2 minutes later, Florida had the lead on a pinball goal by Verhaeghe.

From Seattle Times

It's pinball around the six-yard box as it looks like Bristol City will put the ball over the line, but eventually the foul is given.

From BBC

The original 1993 Broadway musical, with its flying Tommy and galloping pinball machine, was a visual groundbreaker, warmed by excellent performances.

From New York Times

But anyone who has seen him speak knows he pings around like a demented pinball, even on his good days when he remembers who the current president is.

From Salon