pinball machine

noun

: an amusement device in which a ball propelled by a plunger scores points as it rolls down a slanting surface among pins and targets

called also pinball game

Examples of pinball machine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Rubber rings are a perpetual consumable in pinball machines. Tim Stevens, Ars Technica, 6 Jan. 2025 Find a local bar with pinball machines or a game-centric place like Dave & Buster's and let loose. Erin Reimel, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2024 Their 1,000-plus vinyl collection shares the space with vintage ’80s video games (including an 1980s GNR pinball machine), plus RH Fontanelle double sconces. Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 11 Dec. 2024 Think working instruments, a pinball machine, and even a homemade spin-art maker. Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pinball machine 

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pinball machine was in 1936

Dictionary Entries Near pinball machine

Cite this Entry

“Pinball machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pinball%20machine. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

pinball machine

noun
pin·​ball machine
ˈpin-ˌbȯl-
: a game in which a ball shot by a plunger scores points as it rolls around a slanting surface among pins and targets

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