skittle

[ skit-l ]
/ ˈskɪt l /

noun Chiefly British.

skittles, (used with a singular verb) ninepins in which a wooden ball or disk is used to knock down the pins.
one of the pins used in this game.

Origin of skittle

1625–35; perhaps < Scandinavian; compare Old Norse skutill shuttle, arrow; Danish skyttel shuttle

Words nearby skittle

Example sentences from the Web for skittles

British Dictionary definitions for skittles

skittle
/ (ˈskɪtəl) /

noun

a wooden or plastic pin, typically widest just above the base
Also called (esp US): ninepins (plural; functioning as singular) a bowling game in which players knock over as many skittles as possible by rolling a wooden ball at them
beer and skittles (often used with a negative) informal an easy time; amusement

Word Origin for skittle

C17: of obscure origin; perhaps related to Swedish, Danish skyttel shuttle