bowling

word · lemma: bowl

/ˈboʊɫɪŋ/
BOH-ling
/bˈəʊlɪŋ/
BOH-ling

Definition

Bowling is a game or sport in which you roll a heavy ball to knock down pins. In some contexts, it can also refer to the act of throwing the ball in cricket, but the sports-game meaning is much more common in everyday English.

Usage & Nuances

Usually uncountable when talking about the sport: 'I like bowling.' Common combinations: 'go bowling', 'a bowling alley', 'bowling shoes', 'bowling ball'. Do not confuse it with 'bowl' as a container. In cricket, 'bowling' has a different meaning and is used in a sports-specific context.

Example Sentences

My sister likes bowling very much.

basic

We play bowling on Friday nights.

basic

This bowling alley is near our school.

basic

Do you want to go bowling after dinner?

natural

I'm terrible at bowling, but it's still fun.

natural

We ended up bowling until midnight.

natural