snooker

[ snook-er, snoo-ker ]

noun

1. a variety of pool played with 15 red balls and 6 balls of colors other than red, in which a player must shoot one of the red balls, each with a point value of 1, into a pocket before shooting at one of the other balls, with point values of from 2 to 7.

verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to deceive, cheat, or dupe:

   to be snookered by a mail order company.

snooker

/ ˈsnuːkə /

noun

1. a game played on a billiard table with 15 red balls, six balls of other colours, and a white cue ball. The object is to pot the balls in a certain order
2. a shot in which the cue ball is left in a position such that another ball blocks the object ball. The opponent is then usually forced to play the cue ball off a cushion

verb

1. to leave (an opponent) in an unfavourable position by playing a snooker
2. to place (someone) in a difficult situation
3. often passive to thwart; defeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of snooker¹

First recorded in 1885–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of snooker¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Irvine, who is known for fronting BBC coverage of the olympics and snooker championships, will receive the award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting.

From BBC

He also lost to Pang Junxu in the last 32 of the inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters and went out in the third round of the British Open.

From BBC

It has not been the most conventional week of snooker for former world champion Luca Brecel as he shifts his focus from the table to Ironman.

From BBC

Other items commonly used as weapons include snooker balls placed in socks, and boiling water and oil.

From BBC

Renowned snooker commentator Clive Everton has died at the age of 87.

From BBC

Related Words

• choke off
• crimp
• foil
• impede
• obstruct
• stall
• stonewall
• thwart