bowling

UK: ˈbəʊ.lɪŋ | US: ˈboʊ.lɪŋ

Definition
  1. n. a game in which players roll a heavy ball down a lane to knock down pins

  2. n. the action or sport of playing this game

  3. vt. the act of delivering the ball in cricket or other sports

Structure
bowl <rounded object>ing <noun suffix indicating activity>
Etymology

The word "bowling" derives from the verb "bowl," which originally referred to rolling a ball. "Bowl" traces back to the Old French bouler (to roll), from Latin bulla (bubble, round object). The suffix -ing nominalizes the action, turning it into the name of the sport. The evolution reflects the game's core mechanic—rolling a spherical ball toward a target.

Examples
  1. We went bowling last weekend and scored over 200 points.

  2. Bowling requires precision and control to hit the pins consistently.

  3. She joined a bowling league to improve her skills.

  4. The sound of bowling balls rolling down the lanes echoed in the alley.

  5. He prefers bowling over other indoor sports because it’s social and competitive.