croquet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, neutral in specific contexts (sports, leisure).
Quick answer
What does “croquet” mean?
A lawn game in which players hit wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through a series of hoops (wickets) embedded in the grass.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A lawn game in which players hit wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through a series of hoops (wickets) embedded in the grass.
The specific act, in the game of croquet, of striking an opponent's ball with your own to gain an extra shot; to hit a ball in this manner.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is more culturally embedded and common in the UK. In the US, it is known but often perceived as a niche, genteel, or historical garden party activity.
Connotations
UK: Strongly associated with English country gardens, village greens, and a traditional, genteel social class. US: Connotes old-fashioned leisure, upscale garden parties, or historical recreation.
Frequency
Substantially more frequent in UK English due to cultural prevalence.
Grammar
How to Use “croquet” in a Sentence
play [NOUN] croqueta game of croquetto croquet [OBJECT: ball]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “croquet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She cleverly croqueted his ball into the shrubbery.
- You get an extra shot if you croquet an opponent's ball.
American English
- In his next move, he croqueted her ball to gain an advantage.
- The strategy is to croquet the blue ball toward the final hoop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
May appear in historical, sociological, or sports studies contexts discussing leisure activities.
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, summer activities, or traditional British culture.
Technical
Specific to the rules and play of the sport itself.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “croquet”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “croquet”
- Misspelling as 'croquette' (a small fried food).
- Incorrect pronunciation stress in AmE (placing stress on first syllable).
- Using the verb form in non-game contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Croquet' is a lawn game. 'Croquette' is a small roll of minced food, coated in breadcrumbs and fried.
No, croquet is not currently an Olympic sport, though it was featured once in the 1900 Paris Games.
The key equipment includes mallets, balls, hoops (or wickets), and a peg. A flat, closely-mown grass court is also essential.
Yes, but specifically within the context of the game. It means to strike an opponent's ball with your own to gain an extra shot.
A lawn game in which players hit wooden or plastic balls with a mallet through a series of hoops (wickets) embedded in the grass.
Croquet is usually formal, neutral in specific contexts (sports, leisure). in register.
Croquet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkrəʊkeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kroʊˈkeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a crow (cro-) playing a game and saying 'OK' (quet). The crow is hitting a ball with a mallet on a neat green lawn.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A GAME (with specific, genteel rules).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'to croquet' as a verb?