Skittles vs. Bowling — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 4, 2023
Skittles is a European lawn game where players throw balls at pins, while Bowling is a game where players roll a ball down a lane to hit pins.
Difference Between Skittles and Bowling
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Skittles, a game with roots in Europe, involves throwing balls at pins to knock them down, and is typically played on a lawn or within a confined alley. Bowling, popular worldwide, also has players aiming to topple pins, but it's done by rolling a heavier ball down a long, smooth lane.
Skittles is often seen as a more casual, traditional pastime, while Bowling is recognized as both a recreational activity and a competitive sport.
In Skittles, the number of pins and their arrangement can vary, reflecting a range of traditional forms, whereas Bowling has a standardized ten-pin setup with strict rules.
Furthermore, Skittles pins are usually reset manually, giving the game a communal aspect, while in Bowling, automatic pinsetters are common in modern alleys.
Comparison Chart
Origin of Game
European
American/European
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Playing Area
Lawn or alley
Bowling lane
Ball Size
Smaller, hand-thrown
Larger, rolled
Number of Pins
Varies
Typically ten
Pin Arrangement
Varies
Standardized
Compare with Definitions
Skittles
A game in which players throw a ball at pins.
We played Skittles at the company picnic.
Bowling
The act of delivering a ball in cricket.
His Bowling was impeccable in the last game.
Skittles
Conical wooden pieces used in the game.
He expertly knocked down all the Skittles in one go.
Bowling
A game or sport where players compete to knock down pins.
She took up Bowling as her new hobby.
Skittles
To scatter or knock down something.
The gust of wind Skittles the papers from the table.
Bowling
The action of rolling a ball to knock down pins.
Saturday night is reserved for Bowling with friends.
Skittles
An informal term for things scattered or knocked over.
The toddler left Skittles of toys across the floor.
Bowling
The lane or alley used for the game.
They booked the last Bowling lane for the party.
Skittles
A term for random, varied items or people.
The flea market was full of Skittles from different eras.
Bowling
Bowling is a target sport and recreational activity in which a player rolls a ball toward pins (in pin bowling) or another target (in target bowling). The term bowling usually refers to pin bowling (most commonly ten-pin bowling), though in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, bowling could also refer to target bowling, such as lawn bowls.
Skittles
Skittles (used with a sing. verb) A British form of ninepins, in which a wooden disk or ball is thrown to knock down the pins.
Bowling
The game of bowls as a sport or recreation.
Skittles
One of the pins used in skittles.
Bowling
The action of a bowler in sending down balls towards the batsman's wicket
Fast bowling
Skittles
A pub game in which a ball is rolled down a wooden alley in order to knock down as many of the nine skittles as possible.
Bowling
A game played by rolling a ball down a wooden alley in order to knock down a triangular group of ten pins. Also called tenpins.
Skittles
An informal form of chess played without a clock.
Bowling
A similar game, such as duckpins or ninepins.
Skittles
Plural of skittle
Bowling
Lawn bowling.
Skittles
An English game resembling ninepins, but played by throwing wooden disks, instead of rolling balls, at the pins.
Bowling
The playing of one of these games.
Skittles
Bowling down an alley at a target of nine wooden pins
Bowling
Present participle of bowl
Bowling
A game played by rolling a ball down an alley and trying to knock over a triangular group of ten pins; ten-pin bowling/five-pin bowling
Bowling
(New England) Candlepin bowling.
Bowling
Any of several similar games played indoors or outdoors.
Bowling
(cricket) The action of propelling the ball towards the batsman.
Bowling
(slang) A particular style of walking associated with urban street culture.
Bowling
(gerund) The action of the verb bowl.
Bowling
(Ireland) Road bowling.
Bowling
The act of playing at or rolling bowls, or of rolling the ball at cricket; the game of bowls or of tenpins.
Bowling
A game in which balls are rolled at an object or group of objects with the aim of knocking them over
Bowling
(cricket) the act of delivering a cricket ball to the batsman
Bowling
The playing of a game of tenpins or duckpins etc
Bowling
To overwhelm or impress greatly.
Her speech Bowling over the entire audience.
Common Curiosities
How are the pins arranged in Skittles?
The arrangement of pins in Skittles can vary, depending on the specific game variant.
What is Skittles?
Skittles is a traditional European game where players aim to knock over pins with a ball.
What are the balls like in Skittles?
Skittles balls are smaller and lighter, designed to be thrown by hand.
What is Bowling?
Bowling is a sport where players roll a ball down a lane to knock over ten pins.
What are the balls like in Bowling?
Bowling balls are larger, heavier, and typically rolled on a smooth surface.
How are the pins arranged in Bowling?
In Bowling, the pins are arranged in a triangular formation with the point facing the player.
Is Skittles played competitively?
Skittles can be played competitively, though it is often seen as a more casual game.
Is Bowling an Olympic sport?
Bowling is not currently an Olympic sport, though it is recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
What skills are important for Skittles?
Precision, coordination, and sometimes strength are important for Skittles.
Are there different types of Bowling games?
The most common Bowling game is ten-pin, but there are variations like candlepin and duckpin.
Can Skittles be played indoors?
Yes, Skittles can be played indoors, often in a skittle alley.
Are there different types of Skittles games?
Yes, there are many variations of Skittles, each with its own rules and pin configurations.
Is special footwear required for Skittles?
Special footwear is not typically required for Skittles.
What skills are important for Bowling?
In Bowling, consistent delivery, accuracy, and controlled power are key.
Is special footwear required for Bowling?
Yes, special shoes are usually worn in Bowling to prevent damage to the lanes and for player safety.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
