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Bowling Vocabulary

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Roll into this quiz about the language of bowling!

15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓

In bowling, what is a 'turkey'?

About Bowling Vocabulary

Roll into this quiz about the language of bowling! Bowling Vocabulary packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 9 easy, 3 medium, 3 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. In bowling, what is a 'turkey'?

    Answer: Three consecutive strikes

    A turkey in bowling is three consecutive strikes in a single game, one of the sport's most satisfying achievements.

  2. 2. In bowling, what is a 'split'?

    Answer: A spare where remaining pins have a gap between them

    A split occurs when the first ball of a frame leaves two or more non-adjacent groups of pins standing, with a gap between them, making a spare very difficult.

  3. 3. What is the 'pocket' in bowling?

    Answer: The ideal entry point between the 1 and 3 pins (for right-handers)

    The pocket is the ideal target area for a strike, located between the 1 and 3 pins for right-handed bowlers (1 and 2 for left-handers).

  4. 4. In bowling, what does a 'gutter ball' mean?

    Answer: A ball that rolls into the gutter channel without hitting any pins

    A gutter ball rolls off the lane surface into one of the gutters (channels) running along each side, scoring zero pins for that delivery.

  5. 5. What is a 'perfect game' in bowling?

    Answer: Scoring 300 by bowling 12 consecutive strikes

    A perfect game in bowling is a score of 300, achieved by rolling 12 consecutive strikes (one in each of the ten frames, plus two bonus strikes in the tenth).

Things you'll learn along the way

  • The 7-10 split leaves only the far-left (7) and far-right (10) pins standing, widely considered the most difficult spare to convert in bowling.
  • A hook is a bowling delivery where the ball curves across the lane as it approaches the pins, created by the bowler's release and the ball's rotation.
  • The approach is the area of the lane behind the foul line where bowlers take their steps and build momentum before releasing the ball.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bowling Vocabulary free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Bowling Vocabulary — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Bowling Vocabulary take?

Most players finish Bowling Vocabulary in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Bowling Vocabulary?

If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

Can I print Bowling Vocabulary?

Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.

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