Definition

Noun A bowling pin is a tall, narrow, club-shaped object, traditionally made of wood but now often of synthetic materials, that is used as the target in the sport of bowling. A set of ten pins is arranged in a triangular formation at the end of a lane, and the objective is to knock them down with a rolled ball.

Usage

The term "bowling pin" refers specifically to the target object itself. It is used when discussing the equipment, the act of hitting them, or their arrangement.

Examples: * The bowler aimed carefully at the front bowling pin. * After the strike, all ten bowling pins lay scattered in the pit. * He replaced the damaged bowling pin with a new one from the rack.

Advanced Usage

• "To set up (the) bowling pins": To arrange the pins in their correct triangular formation.
  • The machine automatically sets up the bowling pins after each frame.
• "Like bowling pins": A simile used to describe people or objects falling over in a similar, sequential manner.
  • The strong gust of wind knocked them over like bowling pins.

Variants and Related Words

• Pin (noun): A common shortened form of "bowling pin" used within the context of the sport.
  • "He needs to knock down the 7-pin to spare."
• Tenpin: Another name for a bowling pin, especially in the sport of ten-pin bowling.
• Headpin: The front pin in the triangular setup (the number 1 pin).

Synonyms

• Target (in the specific context of bowling)
• Tenpin
• Skittle (Note: A "skittle" is a similar pin used in the sport of nine-pin bowling or skittles, which is a related but distinct game.)

Related Phrases

• Pin deck: The area of the lane where the bowling pins are set up.
• Pin action: The interaction and movement of the pins as they are struck by the ball or other pins.
• Pin carry: The effectiveness with which knocked-down pins clear away the remaining pins.

Noun

1. a club-shaped wooden object used in bowling; set up in triangular groups of ten as the target