candlepin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, technical (sporting)
Quick answer
What does “candlepin” mean?
A slender bowling pin used in the game of candlepin bowling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slender bowling pin used in the game of candlepin bowling.
By metonymy, can refer to the game of candlepin bowling itself (e.g., 'We play candlepin on Saturdays').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is exclusively North American. In the UK, 'bowling' refers to tenpin bowling or lawn bowls; the specific concept of 'candlepin' does not exist.
Connotations
In the US, evokes regional identity (New England). No connotations in the UK as it is unknown.
Frequency
Extremely rare in the UK; low-to-moderate frequency in the specific regions where the sport is played in North America.
Grammar
How to Use “candlepin” in a Sentence
[play] + candlepin[knock down] + a candlepin[score] + [number] + in candlepinVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “candlepin” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- We're going to candlepin at the alley tonight. (regional, informal conversion)
adjective
American English
- He holds the state candlepin championship record.
- They set up a candlepin lane in the basement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in context of sporting goods or family entertainment centres.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical or cultural studies of North American sports.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation in regions where the sport is popular.
Technical
Specific term within the sport of bowling variants.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “candlepin”
- Using 'candlepin' to refer to standard tenpin bowling pins.
- Capitalizing it as a proper noun (except in 'Candlepin Bowling').
- Pronouncing it as /kænˈdɛlpɪn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a distinct variant using thinner pins, a smaller hand-sized ball, and different rules, including three rolls per frame and fallen pins (dead wood) not being cleared.
Primarily in the New England region of the United States (e.g., Massachusetts, Maine) and the Canadian Maritime provinces.
No, candlepin uses a much smaller, lighter ball (under 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg) that fits in the palm of your hand.
The pin's shape is reminiscent of a tall, thin candle—it is cylindrical and does not taper like a tenpin.
A slender bowling pin used in the game of candlepin bowling.
Candlepin is usually informal, technical (sporting) in register.
Candlepin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkænd(ə)lpɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkændl̩pɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) skinny as a candlepin (regional simile)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a thin candle standing upright like a bowling pin – a CANDLE-PIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
TALL, THIN OBJECT IS A CANDLEPIN (e.g., 'He's tall and thin like a candlepin').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'candlepin' primarily associated with?