Marbles Meaning and Definition
Marbles
Pronunciation
/ˈmɑːrbəlz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small, round or irregularly shaped object made of glass, stone, wood, or other materials, often played with as a child’s toy.
Examples
- The children played a game of marbles in the park.
- A vendor sold marbles on the street corner.
Synonyms
- Ball
- Toy
Antonyms
- adult
- serious
Etymology
The word “marble” comes from the Old French “marbre,” meaning “breccia,” a type of stone. The term was later applied to other materials used to make the toy.
Usage Notes
Marbles are often referred to as “aglets” or “worry beads” when used as a fidget toy or stress reliever.
Cultural References
- The movie “Marbles” (2006) is a nostalgic look at a small town’s obsession with marbles.
- The song “Marbles” by the band, The Decemberists, tells the story of a group of children playing with marbles.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Playing with marbles means to engage in insignificant or trivial matters.
Related Words or Phrases
- Ball
- Pellet
Collocations
- Play with marbles
- Collect marbles
Frequency of Use
The frequency of the word “marbles” in modern language is moderate, often used in nostalgic or cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Merbles
- Mirbles