bowling

American  

[boh-ling] / ˈboʊ lɪŋ /

noun

1. any of several games in which players standing at one end of an alley or green roll balls at standing objects or toward a mark at the other end, especially a game in which a heavy ball is rolled from one end of a wooden alley at wooden pins set up at the opposite end.

2. the game of bowls; lawn bowling.

3. an act or instance of playing or participating in any such game.

   Bowling is a pleasant way to exercise.

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bowling British  

/ ˈbəʊlɪŋ /

noun

1. any of various games in which a heavy ball is rolled down a special alley, usually made of wood, at a group of wooden pins, esp the games of tenpin bowling (tenpins) and skittles (ninepins)

2. the game of bowls

3. cricket the act of delivering the ball to the batsman

4. (modifier) of or relating to bowls or bowling

   a bowling team

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Etymology

Origin of bowling

First recorded in 1525–35; bowl ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He had a highest score of 14 with the bat and took three wickets with his spin bowling.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

But Reaves, who excels at nearly every sport he attempts, including golf, bowling, tennis, pickleball and table tennis, just has great touch, Redick said with a shrug.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

In 2024, workers said, the company hosted a Christmas party that featured a cash bar at a local bowling alley.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Completed in 2021, the sprawling property is now believed to be worth around $35 million, offering an array of high-end amenities, including a bowling alley, private gym, an Olympic-size swimming pool, and a spa.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 4, 2026

There was a violent rush of wind, and the roar of what sounded like a hurricane tearing through the bowling alley.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline