Definition

Noun: 1. A game of Italian origin similar to lawn bowling: Bocci is a precision sport where players or teams roll balls on a long, narrow court, aiming to place their balls as close as possible to a smaller target ball called a "pallino" or "jack."

Usage

• Bocci is typically played on a prepared dirt, gravel, or crushed oyster shell court.
• The game involves strategy, skill, and careful measurement of distances between balls.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to have a game of bocci": to play a match of bocci.
  • Let's have a game of bocci before dinner.
• Bocci as a social or competitive activity: The term can refer to the casual, social version of the game or to organized league play and tournaments.

Variants and Related Words

• Bocce: This is a common alternate spelling for the same game.
• Boccia: Another variant spelling, sometimes used.
• Bowls (Lawn Bowling): A related British game played on grass.
• Pétanque: A similar French game, often played on gravel.

Synonyms

• Bowling game: A general term for games involving rolling balls toward a target.
• Lawn bowling (specifically on dirt): While traditionally on grass, this is a close conceptual synonym for the gameplay.

Related Phrases

• Bocci ball: Refers to the larger ball used in the game.
  • He polished his set of bocci balls.
• Bocci court: The playing surface for the game.
  • The city built a new public bocci court.

Notes

• Bocci is often enjoyed outdoors in community parks and social clubs. The primary objective is for a player or team's balls to be closer to the pallino than the opponent's closest ball. Points are scored for each ball that is closer.

Noun

1. Italian bowling played on a long narrow dirt court