billiards
[ bil-yerdz ]
/ ˈbɪl yərdz /
noun (used with a singular verb)
any of several games played with hard balls of ivory or of a similar material that are driven with a cue on a cloth-covered table enclosed by a raised rim of rubber, especially a game played with a cue ball and two object balls on a table without pockets.
Compare pool2(def 8).
Origin of billiards
First recorded in 1585–95; plural of
billiard
OTHER WORDS FROM billiards
bil·liard·ist, nounWords nearby billiards
billiard,
billiard ball,
billiard parlor,
billiard room,
billiard table,
billiards,
billie,
billing,
billing cycle,
billing machine,
billings
Definition for billiards (2 of 2)
Example sentences from the Web for billiards
British Dictionary definitions for billiards (1 of 2)
billiards
/ (ˈbɪljədz) /
noun (functioning as singular)
any of various games in which long cues are used to drive balls now made of composition or plastic. It is played on a rectangular table covered with a smooth tight-fitting cloth and having raised cushioned edges
a version of this, played on a rectangular table having six pockets let into the corners and the two longer sides. Points are scored by striking one of three balls with the cue to contact the other two or one of the two
Compare pool 2 (def. 5), snooker
Word Origin for billiards
C16: from Old French
billard curved stick, from Old French
bille log; see
billet ²
British Dictionary definitions for billiards (2 of 2)
billiard
/ (ˈbɪljəd) /
noun
(modifier)
of or relating to billiards
a billiard table; a billiard cue; a billiard ball