bowling green
1
4.4
- noun
- /ˈboʊlɪŋ ɡriːn/
- UK
:
campo de bolos
- Families gathered on the bowling green to enjoy a sunny afternoon of lawn bowls.
Examples
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The players took their positions around the bowling green to start the match.
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We played a match on the bowling green yesterday.
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After heavy rain, the bowling green needed extra care before matches could resume.
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The tournament was held on the beautifully maintained bowling green at the local club.
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Visitors admired the way the bowling green was trimmed and perfectly level.
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The bowling green was perfectly manicured.
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After the rain, the bowling green was perfectly manicured for the weekend games.
Synonyms
464
1.0
An area of short grass in a garden or park
2
2.2
A grassy common area in a village used for play and events
1
9.9
An open area covered with green grass in a park or garden
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: a 'green' (a level area of grass used for games) that is used for 'bowling' — so a learner who knows both words can infer it denotes the playing area for the game. There is a minor caveat that 'bowling' can refer to different ball games (ten‑pin vs. lawn bowls), but the basic ‘place for bowling’ interpretation is predictable and transparent to B1 learners.
Etymology
The name bowling green comes from the word bowling, from the game 'bowls', and the smooth patch of grass called a green. Players roll balls that must travel straight, so the grass is cut very short and level, which is why bowling green means 'a level area of closely mowed grass used for playing bowls'.