ninepin

noun

nine·​pin ˈnīn-ˌpin 

1

ninepins plural in form but singular in construction : a bowling game resembling tenpins played without the headpin or having the nine pins in a diamond-shaped configuration with one pin in the center

2

: a pin used in ninepins

Examples of ninepin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This includes his longtime personal assistant, his blue-collar brother and the women who fall for him like ninepins — all given vibrant life by the director, Neil Pepe, and a cast that finds the individual quirkiness in everyday stereotypes. —Ben Brantley, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2016

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ninepin

noun

nine·​pin -ˌpin 

1

plural : a bowling game resembling tenpins played without the headpin

2

: a pin used in ninepins