snooker

[snook-er, snoo-ker]

noun

1. a variety of pool played with 15 red balls and 6 balls of colors other than red, in which a player must shoot one of the red balls, each with a point value of 1, into a pocket before shooting at one of the other balls, with point values of from 2 to 7.

verb (used with object)

1. Slang.,  to deceive, cheat, or dupe.

   to be snookered by a mail order company.

snooker

/ ˈsnuːkə /

noun

1. a game played on a billiard table with 15 red balls, six balls of other colours, and a white cue ball. The object is to pot the balls in a certain order

2. a shot in which the cue ball is left in a position such that another ball blocks the object ball. The opponent is then usually forced to play the cue ball off a cushion

verb

1. to leave (an opponent) in an unfavourable position by playing a snooker

2. to place (someone) in a difficult situation

3. (often passive) to thwart; defeat

Word History and Origins

Origin of snooker¹

First recorded in 1885–90; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of snooker¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The seven-time world champion's tally of 16 is three more than that of John Higgins, who is a fellow member of snooker's fabled 'Class of 92'.

From BBC

He added converting the bunker into a games room - with a snooker table - and gym remained a work in progress.

From BBC

But as his success soars, he finds he can switch off by playing snooker.

From BBC

There were 34,000 snooker halls in the country around the time Speed made his remarks - there are now 300,000.

From BBC

China is also snooker's biggest market in the television landscape, making up more than 50% of its global audience.

From BBC

Related Words

• choke off 
• crimp 
• foil 
• impede 
• obstruct 
• stall 
• stonewall 
• thwart