Definition

Noun: 1. A game of chance in which players mark off numbers on cards as the numbers are drawn randomly by a caller, with the winner being the first person to mark off a predetermined pattern (such as a complete line) and call out "Bingo!". 2. (Informal) An expression used to declare a sudden success, discovery, or realization, often to indicate that one has guessed something correctly or that something expected has happened.

Usage

• The primary use is as a noun to name the specific game.
• The exclamation "Bingo!" is used interjectionally to announce a win in the game or, figuratively, to signal a correct answer or successful outcome.

Examples

• Noun (Game):
  • Every Wednesday night, the community center hosts a bingo game for seniors.
  • She needed just one more number to win at bingo.
• Exclamation/Interjection:
  • "Is the capital of France Paris?" "Yes!" "Bingo! You got it."
  • He searched through the files and finally found the right document. "Bingo!" he exclaimed.

Advanced Usage

• "Bingo!" as a Standalone Exclamation: Used to punctuate a moment of success or correct identification. It often carries a tone of satisfaction or triumph.
  • After trying several keys, the last one fit the lock perfectly. "Bingo!"
• "Bingo Card": Refers to the card used to play the game, typically a grid of numbered squares.
  • Each player was given a bingo card and a dauber to mark the numbers.

Variants and Related Words

• Bingo Hall: A venue dedicated to hosting bingo games.
• Bingo Caller: The person who randomly selects and announces the numbers during a game.

Synonyms

• Game: (General) lottery, game of chance.
• Exclamation: (Informal) eureka, got it, that's it, jackpot.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Bingo wings" (Informal, humorous): A colloquial term for loose skin and fat under a person's upper arm that wobbles when the arm is raised, reminiscent of a waving motion.
  • She joked that she needed to do more tricep exercises to avoid getting bingo wings.

Noun

1. a game in which numbered balls are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers on their cards