pinochle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Specialized
Quick answer
What does “pinochle” mean?
A card game for two to four players, played with a 48-card deck, involving trick-taking and melding combinations of cards for points.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A card game for two to four players, played with a 48-card deck, involving trick-taking and melding combinations of cards for points.
The name can refer to the game itself, a specific meld in the game (the queen of spades and jack of diamonds), or to the wider culture of playing the game.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game is known but is far more common and culturally embedded in the United States, often associated with family gatherings, clubs, and older generations. In the UK, it is a niche game, often known by card game enthusiasts.
Connotations
US: Nostalgia, family, social clubs, skill. UK: An exotic or specialist American card game.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general British English; low but recognizable frequency in American English, particularly among certain demographic groups.
Grammar
How to Use “pinochle” in a Sentence
[Subject] play(s) pinochle[Subject] win(s) the pinochle[Subject] have(s) a pinochle (meld)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pinochle” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- They decided to pinochle for a few hours after dinner. (Informal, rare)
adjective
American English
- She joined the local pinochle league.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies of games/leisure.
Everyday
Used when discussing hobbies, games, or family traditions.
Technical
Used within the specific domain of card game rules, strategies, and tournaments.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pinochle”
- Misspelling: 'pinocle', 'penuckle'. Mispronunciation: /pɪˈnɒtʃəl/ (like 'pinocchio').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is typically played with a 48-card deck, consisting of two copies of cards 9 through Ace in each suit.
A 'double pinochle' (both queens of spades and both jacks of diamonds) is a high-scoring meld.
It is derived from the European game Bezique and shares similarities with other trick-taking games like Euchre.
It is most popular in the United States, particularly among certain communities and older generations.
A card game for two to four players, played with a 48-card deck, involving trick-taking and melding combinations of cards for points.
Pinochle is usually informal, specialized in register.
Pinochle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpiːnʌk(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpiːnɑːk(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “double pinochle (scoring the queen of spades and jack of diamonds in both suits)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PEAnut' + 'knuckle' but said as 'PEA-knuckle' – you crack open a peanut to find the game inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARD GAMES ARE BATTLEFIELDS (e.g., 'win a trick', 'meld your forces', 'a strong hand').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'pinochle' primarily?