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Definition of pinochle

pinochle

/ˈpiːnʌkəl/
pi · no · chle
Plural:pinochles
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pinochle Lexical Profile

pinochle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A trick-taking and melding card game for two to four players, played with a specialized 48-card deck consisting of two copies each of the ace, ten, king, queen, jack, and nine of every suit.

Example

"Every Friday evening, the four neighbors gathered around the kitchen table to play a lively game of pinochle."

2

A specific scoring combination (meld) in the card game of the same name, consisting of the queen of spades and the jack of diamonds.

Example

"She laid down a double pinochle on the table, instantly taking a commanding lead in points."

• Nearby Words

pinky
pinnacle
pinniped
pinochle
pinot
pinpoint
pinprick

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-19th century, probably from Pennsylvania German or Alsatian dial. 'binokel', which comes from French 'binocle' (meaning 'eyeglasses' or 'opera glasses'), ultimately from Latin 'bini' (two at a time) and 'oculus' (eye), referring to the two cards that form the characteristic meld.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pinochle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pinochle
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