bingo

[ bing-goh ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a form of lotto in which balls or slips, each with a number and one of the letters B, I, N, G, or O, are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers printed on their cards, the winner being the first to cover five numbers in any row or diagonal or, sometimes, all numbers on the card.

interjection

1. (used to call a win in bingo.)
2. (used to express suddenness or swiftness, as of an action):

   He waved his hand, and, bingo, the card reappeared.

3. (used to acknowledge someone's sudden understanding or correct response):

   Bingo! That's just what I meant!

bingo

/ ˈbɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. a gambling game, usually played with several people, in which numbers selected at random are called out and the players cover the numbers on their individual cards. The first to cover a given arrangement of numbers is the winner Compare lotto

sentence substitute

1. a cry by the winner of a game of bingo
2. an expression of surprise at a sudden occurrence or the successful completion of something

   and bingo! the lights went out

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

First recorded in 1935–40; apparently alteration of beano ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

C19: perhaps from bing , imitative of a bell ringing to mark the win

Example Sentences

To keep yourself entertained while awaiting the results of the 2024 election on Tuesday night, look no further then Salon's official election night bingo cards.

From Salon

After the showband era it became known mostly for its bingo nights and local drama productions.

From BBC

“I can’t say this was on my bingo card,” the singer said Monday on the morning show.

From Los Angeles Times

A group of Sub-Saharan African men are playing bingo in a conference room of a hotel near the northern Spanish city of León.

From BBC

If you still need an excuse to watch Tuesday night's vice presidential debate, look no further than Salon's official VP debate bingo cards:

From Salon

Related Words

• poker
• roulette