Definition
A coin-operated arcade game where a player uses flippers to keep a steel ball in play on an inclined playfield, scoring points by hitting bumpers and targets. Pinball machines predate video games and remain popular attractions.
Example Usage
My grandfather spent weekends at the local arcade, his favorite game always being pinball—he'd chase high scores for hours.
Origin
Evolved from bagatelle, a French tabletop game, through the 'tilt' mechanism of early 1930s machines. The term 'pinball' refers to the metal pins that deflect the ball.
Fun Fact
Pinball was banned in many U.S. cities during the 1940s-50s because authorities mistakenly classified it as gambling, despite its being purely skill-based.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
Related Terms
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See “pinball” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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