skittle

[ skit-l ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. skittles, (used with a singular verb) ninepins in which a wooden ball or disk is used to knock down the pins.
2. one of the pins used in this game.

skittle

/ ˈskɪtəl /

noun

1. a wooden or plastic pin, typically widest just above the base
2. Also called (esp US)ninepins plural; functioning as singular a bowling game in which players knock over as many skittles as possible by rolling a wooden ball at them
3. beer and skittles informal.
   often used with a negative an easy time; amusement

Word History and Origins

Origin of skittle¹

1625–35; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skutill shuttle, arrow; Danish skyttel shuttle

Word History and Origins

Origin of skittle¹

C17: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Swedish, Danish skyttel shuttle

Example Sentences

So now you have one Skittle that represents green.

From Salon

And now this green Skittle has all the responsibility of representing that color, which is wrong because that's what stereotyping is.

From Salon

Last year, Harry Styles was pelted in the eye with a stray Skittle, Red Ryder BB gun style, and Kid Cudi walked off stage at Rolling Loud Miami after festivalgoers repeatedly launched items at him.

From Salon

If they “skittle around,” the heat should be just about right.

From Seattle Times

Ash Gardner did the rest, taking a magnificent 8-66 to skittle England and confirm an 89-run victory - but more significantly, a 4-0 points lead in the multi-format series.

From BBC