skittle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, with specific cultural and sporting usage. Common in sports and pub contexts.
Quick answer
What does “skittle” mean?
A short, cylindrical wooden or plastic pin used as a target to be knocked down, typically in a game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, cylindrical wooden or plastic pin used as a target to be knocked down, typically in a game.
Refers to the game of skittles itself, and figuratively, to the act of knocking something down easily or quickly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'skittles' is a traditional pub game, often with nine pins. In the US, it's less common and can refer to both the UK-style game and the smaller, table-top candy (British 'Skittles' sweets are rarely called 'skittles' in a gaming context). 'Skittle' is more frequently used as a verb in UK cricket/sports commentary.
Connotations
UK: Traditional, pub culture, leisure. US: More likely to be associated with candy brand or generic 'bowling pin' concept. The verb form in cricket/sports is a Britishism.
Frequency
The noun is of moderate frequency in the UK, particularly in sport and gaming contexts. Much lower frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “skittle” in a Sentence
skittle someone/something (down/over/out)to be skittled for [score] (cricket)go skittlingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “skittle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fast bowler skittled the last three batsmen for just five runs.
- He skittled the empty cans with a well-aimed stone.
American English
- The pitcher skittled the opposing team's lineup in the final inning. (rare, but possible in a British-influenced context)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in standard business contexts.
Academic
Rare. Possibly in historical or cultural studies of games.
Everyday
Common in the UK when referring to the pub game or figuratively.
Technical
Used in sports terminology, especially cricket (bowling) and the rules of skittles games.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “skittle”
- Using 'skittle' to refer to the candy in a non-brand context. Confusing 'skittles' (UK game) with 'ten-pin bowling' (American-style).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in UK sports contexts like cricket, meaning to dismiss batters quickly or easily.
Skittles typically uses 9 pins that are shorter and fatter, often played in pubs. Ten-pin bowling is a standardized sport with taller, thinner pins and a heavier ball.
Only as a proper noun for the brand 'Skittles'. In generic language, 'skittles' refers to the game pieces.
It means a life of enjoyment and leisure without work or trouble. The full phrase is 'life isn't all beer and skittles'.
A short, cylindrical wooden or plastic pin used as a target to be knocked down, typically in a game.
Skittle is usually informal, with specific cultural and sporting usage. common in sports and pub contexts. in register.
Skittle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskɪtl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskɪtl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life isn't all beer and skittles”
- “to skittle someone out”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'SKITtle' pin as something you can 'SKIT' or 'skip' a ball towards to knock it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRAGILITY IS A SKITTLE: Something easily knocked over or defeated. COMPETITION IS A SKITTLE GAME: Toppling opponents sequentially.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, which of these is the most common association with 'skittles'?