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

After winning the toss, the six-time winners skittled Pakistan for just 82, the lowest total of the World Cup so far.

From BBC

"If it had been skittles or something else, I would have said no."

From BBC

South Africa were then skittled out for just 83 in 27.1 overs.

From BBC

There was nowhere to hide in the T20 series against Sri Lanka, as an England side with a few key players rested were twice skittled by spin to lose 2-1.

From BBC

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

From Seattle Times