Definition

A type of bowling game where players aim to knock down nine wooden pins, or it can refer to the wooden pins used in that game.

Example

We played ninepin at the local bowling alley last weekend.

Conversation

Have you ever played ninepin bowling before?

No, I haven’t, but it sounds interesting!

It's actually really fun; the strategy is different from regular bowling.

Maybe we should try it out sometime; I’d love to learn how to play.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ninepin → The word is formed from "nine" (from Old English "nigon", meaning the number 9) and "pin" (from Old English "pinn", meaning a small cylindrical object). The term "ninepin" refers to a game involving nine pins that are knocked down by a ball.

Memory Tip

Think of the number 'nine' and a 'pin' as a small object — that's why 'ninepin' refers to a game with nine pins.

Visually Confused Words