Bowling Terms Glossary:
Learning the Lingo of the Lanes
Bowling.com Pro Staff Posted: January 23, 2026
Last Updated: April 1, 2026
Quick Article Summary: Helpful glossary defining essential bowling terminology, scoring terms, lane positions, slang, and historical context to help bowlers understand conversations at the center.
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Ever walk into a bowling center and hear folks throwing around words like "hambone," "Brooklyn," or "bed posts" and feel like they're speaking a secret code? I sure did when I first started league bowling. I'd throw a decent game, then my teammates would cheer about a "turkey" and I'd just nod like I knew what was up, until I didn't. Turns out, learning the lingo isn't just for looking cool. It helps you understand what's happening on the lanes, chat strategy with buddies, and even spot ways to improve your own game. Whether you're new to the sport or just want a refresher, knowing these terms makes bowling more fun and less confusing. We've pulled together some of the most common ones, straight from the history and heart of the game, to get you talking like a regular in no time.
The exact origin of bowling is unknown but archeologists have traced its beginnings at least back to ancient Egypt. Much later, in Germany, the trend to bowl with nine pins became popular and spread throughout Europe. European colonists brought the game to North America as both an indoor and outdoor sport. Governing agencies, however, attempted to ban indoor bowling as it became more and more associated with drinking and gambling. In the early nineteenth century, ten-pin bowling evolved as a means of circumventing a public ban of nine-pin bowling in Connecticut. Regulatory groups began the process of standardizing all aspects of the sport in the late 1800's but it still retained its reputation for being a "low life" activity. Although highly popular, it was not until women entered the sport of bowling and gained more influence that ten-pin bowling became a more respectable pastime. National organizations began to see a decline in membership after the late 1970's and in 2004 merged to form one cohesive organization, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). USBC's primary aim is the promotion and development of the sport in the interest of all bowlers.
Bowling Terms
Bowling terminology has developed as the sport has evolved. Below are some commonly used terms and their definitions in reference to scoring, positions, and play.
- ADDRESS: A player's stance or start position.
- ANCHOR: The last player to bowl (most likely, the best player).
- APPROACH: That part of the lane which stretches from the back of the lane to the foul line.
- BABY SPLIT: A 2-7 or 3-10 split.
- BACKUP BALL: A bowling ball that curves left to right or right to left depending upon whether the player is left or right handed.
- BED POSTS: A 7-1 split.
- BLOCKED LANE: A lane condition which promotes high scoring through the use of oil or finish in lane maintenance.
- BROOKLYN: When a bowling ball crosses to the opposite side of the headpin from which it was thrown (when a right handed bowler bowls a ball that hits the left pocket and vice versa for left handed bowlers).
- CHERRY: To knock down the front pin or pins.
- CHRISTMAS TREE: For a right handed player, its a 3-7-10 split or a 2-7-10 split for a left handed player.
- CLEAN SHEET: When a player makes all of his /her spares in a game.
- DEADWOOD: Pins that remain in the lane or the gutter after being knocked over.
- DOUBLE: A player makes two strikes in a row.
- 200: A game in which alternate strikes and scores are used resulting in a 200 score.
- FILL: Refers to the number of pins knocked down following a spare or two strikes.
- FOUL: Putting one's foot on or going over the foul line upon delivery.
- FOUNDATION: A ninth frame strike.
- FRAME: Refers to the squares which indicate one tenth of a game.
- GUTTER BALL: A ball that rolls into the gutter before hitting a target.
- HAMBONE: A term used to denote four consecutive strikes.
- HOOK: A ball that curves into the pins as it approaches them.
- JERSEY SIDE: To the right of the head pin for left handed players and to the left for right handers.
- KEGLER: A term of German origin for "bowler".
- KINDLING WOOD: Pins that fall easily during a game (light pins).
- KINGPIN: Refers to either the head pin or 5 pin depending on local usage.
- LANE: The game's playing surface.
- LEAVE: The pins that are not knocked down with the first ball (spare).
- LILY: A 5-7-10 split.
- LOFTING: Throwing the ball far out onto the lane.
- MAPLES: Refers to bowling pins or the point the player intends to use as a target.
- MATCH PLAY: One-on-one competition between individual players.
- MISS: A spare that is missed (also known as a blow, cherry, error or open).
- MISTER AVERAGE: Term used for an absent bowler whose average is used (Miss Average for ladies).
- MOTHER-IN-LAW: A name for the 7 pin.
- NOSE HIT: Hitting the pins head on.
- OPEN BOWLING: Non-league bowling for fun or practice.
- PAR: Term used to indicate a 200 score.
- PERFECT GAME: Twelve consecutive strikes with a resulting score of 300.
- POCKET: A 1-3 or 1-2 spot.
- RACK: Place where balls remain after their return from the pit (also called ball rack).
- RETURN: Track on which balls travel from pit to rack.
- RG VALUE: Radius of Gyration. (1) USBC defines RG of a bowling ball as a measurement in inches and is the distance from the axis of rotation at which the total mass of a body might be concentrated without changing its moment of inertia.
- RUNWAY: The place or approach where the bowler stands to deliver the ball.
- SCHLEIFER: From the German word for "cut-thin" or "slice", a strike where the pins appear to fall one by one.
- SOUR APPLE: A 5-7-10 split.
- SPARE: A two-ball knockdown of all the pins in a frame.
- SPLIT: A spare in which two or more pins remains standing with a gap between them.
- STRIKE: A knockdown of all ten pins with the first delivery.
- THROWING ROCKS: Piling up strikes by rolling a very fast ball.
- TURKEY: Term used for three consecutive strikes.
- WASH OUT: A split with the 7 or 10 pin standing.
Next time you're at the lanes and someone yells about a "hambone" or groans over a "sour apple," you'll know exactly what's going on. And maybe even join in the fun! Mastering these terms is like unlocking a new level in your bowling journey. It sharpens your ear for advice from better players, helps you talk shop when picking gear, and just makes the whole experience more enjoyable. Got a favorite term or one that always trips you up? Let us know. We're all here to help each other roll better. See you on the approach!
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the term strike mean in bowling?
A strike is when you knock down all ten pins with your first delivery in a frame. It is the highest scoring shot possible in a single ball and is marked with an X on the scoreboard. Getting strikes consistently is the fastest way to increase your score.
2. What is a spare in bowling?
A spare is when you knock down all ten pins using two balls in the same frame. The second ball must clear any pins left standing after the first delivery. Spares are essential for good scoring and are marked with a slash on the score sheet.
3. What is a turkey in bowling?
A turkey refers to three consecutive strikes in a row. It is a fun term bowlers use to celebrate a strong streak. Four consecutive strikes are sometimes called a hambone.
4. What is the pocket in bowling?
The pocket is the ideal target area between the 1 and 3 pins for a right handed bowler (or 1 and 2 pins for a left handed bowler). Hitting the pocket properly creates the best chance for a strike because the ball drives through the pins with maximum power and carry.
5. What does Brooklyn mean in bowling?
Brooklyn (also called a crossover) is when a right handed bowler hits the 1-2 pocket (left side of the headpin) or a left handed bowler hits the 1-3 pocket (right side of the headpin). It is an accidental hit on the opposite side of the headpin from where the ball was intended to go.
6. What is a split in bowling?
A split is when two or more pins remain standing after your first ball with a gap between them, making the spare very difficult. Common examples include the baby split (2-7 or 3-10) and the dreaded 7-10 split. Splits usually happen from poor pocket hits or light hits on the headpin.
7. What is a double in bowling?
A double means two consecutive strikes in a row. It is a strong scoring opportunity because the first strike gets bonus points from the next two balls. Bowlers often celebrate a double as it builds momentum toward higher game scores.
8. What is a foul in bowling?
A foul occurs when any part of your foot or body touches or crosses the foul line during your delivery. The ball still counts, but any pins knocked down on that delivery do not count toward your score for that frame.
9. What is a gutter ball?
A gutter ball is when your ball rolls into the gutter (channel) on either side of the lane without hitting any pins. It scores zero for that ball and is one of the most frustrating outcomes for beginners.
10. What is a perfect game in bowling?
A perfect game is a score of 300, achieved by throwing twelve consecutive strikes in a single game (one strike in each of the ten frames plus two extra strikes in the tenth frame). It is the ultimate achievement in bowling.
11. What is a hambone in bowling?
A hambone is four consecutive strikes in a row. It builds on a turkey (three strikes) and is a fun, celebratory term used by bowlers when someone gets on a hot streak.
12. What does hook mean in bowling?
Hook describes the curved path a bowling ball takes as it travels down the lane toward the pins. It is caused by the ball spinning and gripping the lane surface, allowing it to enter the pocket at a better angle for strikes.
13. What is the approach in bowling?
The approach is the wooden or synthetic area behind the foul line where bowlers take their steps before releasing the ball. It usually consists of the last 15 feet of the lane leading up to the foul line.
14. What is deadwood in bowling?
Deadwood refers to pins that have been knocked down but remain on the lane or in the pin deck instead of falling into the pit. They can interfere with the next shot if not cleared properly by the pinsetter.
15. What is a clean sheet in bowling?
A clean sheet means you made every spare in the game (no opens or missed spares). It shows excellent spare shooting consistency and is a point of pride for many league bowlers.
16. What is an open frame in bowling?
An open frame is any frame in which you fail to get a strike or spare. You leave one or more pins standing after using both balls in that frame. Open frames hurt your score significantly and are what bowlers try hardest to avoid.
17. What does carry mean in bowling?
Carry refers to how effectively the ball knocks down pins, especially the back pins. Good carry means the ball drives through the pocket with enough power that pins fly and knock each other down cleanly, resulting in more strikes.
18. What is a washout in bowling?
A washout is a difficult split where the headpin is standing along with one or more pins in the back row (usually the 1-2-4-7 or 1-3-6-10). It is one of the toughest spares to convert and is often the result of a light pocket hit.
19. What is rev rate in bowling?
Rev rate is the number of revolutions (spins) your ball makes per minute as it travels down the lane. Higher rev rates create more hook potential while lower rev rates produce a straighter path. It is one of the key factors that defines your bowling style.
20. What is the difference between a hook and a curve in bowling?
Hook describes a smooth, controlled arc created by proper release and rotation. Curve usually refers to a much more dramatic, exaggerated side-to-side path often caused by extreme wrist action or poor technique. Most bowlers aim for a controlled hook rather than a wild curve.
