Definition

Noun: 1. A type of bowling pin: A duckpin is a short, squat, cylindrical wooden pin used in a specific variation of bowling. It is shorter and wider than the standard tenpin used in ten-pin bowling.

Examples

• The objective is to knock down all ten duckpins with a small ball.
• In duckpin bowling, the duckpins are arranged in a triangular formation, similar to ten-pin bowling.
• Because duckpins are smaller and have a different shape, they are harder to knock down completely.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in the context of the sport duckpin bowling, which is distinct from ten-pin or candlepin bowling.
• It can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe equipment or the game itself, e.g., , .

Variants and Related Words

• Duckpin bowling (n): The bowling game played with duckpins and a small, hand-sized ball without finger holes.
• Tenpin (n): The taller, slender pin used in the more common ten-pin bowling, serving as a direct comparison.

Synonyms

• Bowling pin (specific type)

Notes on Meaning

This word has a very specific, singular meaning related to sports equipment. It does not have multiple common definitions or idiomatic uses outside of this context.

Noun

1. a bowling pin that is short and squat by comparison with a tenpin