diabolo

American  

[dee-ab-uh-loh] / diˈæb əˌloʊ /

noun

plural

diabolos

1. a game in which a toplike object is spun, thrown, and caught by or balanced on and whirled along a string the ends of which are fastened to the ends of two sticks that are manipulated by hand.

2. the top used in this game.

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diabolo British  

/ dɪˈæbəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a game in which one throws and catches a spinning top on a cord fastened to two sticks held in the hands

2. the top used in this game

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Etymology

Origin of diabolo

1905–10; < Italian: literally, devil

Example Sentences

In July, a diabolo instructor, Lu Chi-hsien, and four others were detained for allegedly setting up a spy network.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2023

Leroux says circus mania starts young; his fourth-grade daughter’s gym curriculum includes spinning diabolo sticks.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2015

The Smirnovs, quick-change artists, take the stage before Ms. España and the Anastasinis assemble for diabolo, a form of juggling.

From New York Times • Nov. 2, 2014

Formidare enim debent ... de pugna, quae superest cum carne, cum mundo, cum diabolo, in qua victores esse non possunt, nisi cum Dei gratiâ Apostolo obtemperent dicenti: Debitores etc.”

From Grace, Actual and Habitual A Dogmatic Treatise by Preuss, Arthur

The aforesaid—if I spoke of hi before—Gorman O'Shea, having, suadente diabolo, smashed down doors and windows, palisadings and palings, and broke open cabinets, chests, cupboards, and other contrivances.

From Lord Kilgobbin by Lever, Charles James