noun

bagatelle

A table game in which balls are struck toward scoring holes.

We play bagatelle by aiming the balls at scoring holes.

Etymology

French bagatelle means a trifle or something of little consequence. The name was applied to a light amusement, the table game in which players send balls toward scoring holes.

More examples

  • Her final shot wins the game of bagatelle.
  • This old bagatelle table has nine scoring holes.
  • In bagatelle, a gentle shot can score more than a hard one.

Forms

bagatelle

Similar words

billiards
Typically uses pockets or caroms rather than scoring holes.
pinball
Uses flippers and bumpers instead of a cue.