crown green: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/Highly SpecialisedSpecialist / Traditional
Quick answer
What does “crown green” mean?
A bowling green that is not flat, but curves to a central high point (a 'crown'), so that play takes place on an uneven surface.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bowling green that is not flat, but curves to a central high point (a 'crown'), so that play takes place on an uneven surface.
The game of bowls itself, specifically the version played on such a green, which is traditional in certain parts of northern England. It can also refer to the bowling club or facility associated with this game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Exclusively a British term, unknown in general American English. The related concept in North America would be 'lawn bowling', but this is typically played on a flat (or 'level') green.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries strong connotations of a traditional, community-based sport, particularly associated with industrial towns and pubs in Northern England (Yorkshire, Lancashire, Staffordshire, etc.). It has a working-class heritage.
Frequency
Low frequency nationally, but high frequency within specific regional communities and sporting contexts where the game is played.
Grammar
How to Use “crown green” in a Sentence
[play/compete at/in] crown green bowls[the/a] crown green [at/in] [place name]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crown green” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He is a crown green champion.
- The crown green finals are in September.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, only in very specific contexts like sports equipment retail for bowls.
Academic
Might appear in historical, sociological, or sports science studies on traditional British games and community culture.
Everyday
Used conversationally in regions where the sport is popular, often relating to local clubs, tournaments, or leisure activities.
Technical
The standard term within the sport of bowls to distinguish this variant from 'flat green' or 'level green' bowls.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crown green”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crown green”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crown green”
- Using 'crown green' as an adjective without 'bowls' or 'bowling' (e.g., 'He plays crown green' is acceptable, but 'a crown green player' is more standard).
- Confusing it with the more common, international 'lawn bowls' played on a flat surface.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are related but distinct. Crown green is a specific variant played on a green with a pronounced slope (the 'crown'). Standard lawn bowls (or 'flat green' bowls) is played on a level surface and is the more common international version.
It is most popular in certain regions of the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern England (e.g., Yorkshire, Lancashire, the Midlands) and parts of Wales. It is much less common in southern England and virtually unknown outside the UK.
No, 'crown green' is not used as a verb. The activity is described as 'playing crown green bowls' or 'bowling on a crown green'.
The opposite is a 'level green' or 'flat green', which is the standard surface for the internationally recognised version of lawn bowls.
A bowling green that is not flat, but curves to a central high point (a 'crown'), so that play takes place on an uneven surface.
Crown green is usually specialist / traditional in register.
Crown green: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkraʊn ˈɡriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkraʊn ˈɡriːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a green (lawn) wearing a king's CROWN – the crown sits high in the middle, just like the raised centre of this bowling green.
Conceptual Metaphor
The green is conceptualised as a head wearing a crown, emphasising the central prominence and regal (or paramount) challenge of the sloping surface.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a 'crown green'?