pachinko

American  

[puh-ching-koh] / pəˈtʃɪŋ koʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese pinball game played on a vertical machine in which slots struck by the player's ball release other balls that in turn are exchanged for noncash prizes.

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pachinko British  

/ pəˈtʃɪŋkəʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese game similar to pinball

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Etymology

Origin of pachinko

1950–55; < Japanese, equivalent to pachin click! (imitative) + -ko diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

"Konami shifted its strategy for a while, away from console games, and focused its efforts on the amusements markets, things like pachinko machines," Mr Dring said.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

Bonds forged from necessity create a family network that allows its members to survive World War II, only to struggle with excess when their pachinko parlors become highly successful.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2025

A construction crane snapped and a window at a pachinko parlor was shattered in Kagoshima city, southwestern Japan.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2022

In the weeks and months that followed, shopping centres switched off escalators, factories pared back assembly line times, and pachinko gambling parlours - famous for their flashing lights and noisy machines - were temporarily shut.

From Reuters • Jul. 28, 2022

There are glimpses of a few more outlandish ideas, too, like some hilariously tall ramps and a building that looks inspired by a pachinko board.

From The Verge • Jun. 30, 2022