any of several games in which players standing at one end of an alley or green roll balls at standing objects or toward a mark at the other end, especially a game in which a heavy ball is rolled from one end of a wooden alley at wooden pins set up at the opposite end.Compare boccie, candlepins (def. 2), duckpins (def. 2), lawn bowling, ninepins (def. 1), tenpins (def. 1).
the game of bowls; lawn bowling.
an act or instance of playing or participating in any such game: Bowling is a pleasant way to exercise.
Early the morning succeeding proceeded on the march, but went into camp one mile from Bowling Green.
Our Battery|Orlando P. Cutter
And there was such a distinguished air about Gusher, that Bowling Green was half inclined to look on him with favor.
The Von Toodleburgs|F. Colburn Adams
By midday the snow had ceased and we were bowling along before a stiff breeze.
The Mutiny of the Elsinore|Jack London
They were bowling rapidly along, when an automobile passed them, moving at a rate of speed that was almost reckless.
Baseball Joe in the World Series|Lester Chadwick
British Dictionary definitions for bowling
bowling
/ (ˈbəʊlɪŋ) /
noun
any of various games in which a heavy ball is rolled down a special alley, usually made of wood, at a group of wooden pins, esp the games of tenpin bowling (tenpins) and skittles (ninepins)
the game of bowls
cricketthe act of delivering the ball to the batsman
(modifier)of or relating to bowls or bowlinga bowling team