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Definition of skittle

skittle

/ˈskɪt.əl/
skit · tle
Plural:skittles
•
Past Simple:skittled
•
Past Participle:skittled
•
Present Participle:skittling
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skittle Lexical Profile

skittle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A wooden pin shaped like a bottle, set up as one of nine targets to be knocked down with a ball in the game of skittles.

Example

"He rolled the wooden ball down the alley and knocked over every single skittle on his first turn."

Synonyms
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• verb

1

British To dismiss batsmen in rapid succession during a game of cricket (often followed by 'out').

Example

"The fast bowler managed to skittle the opposing team out before the afternoon break."

2

To knock down or scatter people or objects rapidly, as if striking bowling pins.

Example

"A sudden gust of wind threatened to skittle the lightweight plastic chairs across the patio."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for skittle

• Nearby Words

skittish
skittishly
skittishness
skittle
skittles
skive
skivvies

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 17th century, likely of Scandinavian origin and related to Old Norse 'skutill', meaning a shuttle, bolt, or small throwing implement.

Cite this Entry

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