Definition

Noun: A skittle pin is a tall, slender, typically wooden pin used as a target in bowling games, specifically in the games of ninepins or skittles. It is designed to be knocked down by a ball.

Usage

The term "skittle pin" refers specifically to the physical pin used in certain traditional bowling games. It is a countable noun.

Examples

• The player rolled the ball and knocked over the last skittle pin to win the game.
• A full set of nine skittle pins was arranged at the end of the alley.
• He carefully stood the skittle pin upright after it had fallen.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in historical or regional contexts describing traditional pub games in England, or the game of ninepins.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is easily knocked over or defeated, though this is less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Skittle (noun): Can be synonymous with "skittle pin," especially in British English. It can also refer to the game itself.
• Ninepin (noun): A synonym for a skittle pin used in the game of ninepins.
• Bowling pin (noun): A more general term that includes skittle pins as well as the pins used in ten-pin bowling.

Synonyms

Ninepin, kegel pin (in some European contexts).

Notes

• In modern ten-pin bowling, the pins are not typically called "skittle pins." This term is reserved for the pins used in the older, related games.
• The game of "skittles" often uses a thicker, sometimes bottle-shaped pin, but it is still classified as a type of skittle pin.

Noun

1. a bowling pin of the type used in playing ninepins or (in England) skittles