bingo

[bing-goh]

noun

(sometimes initial capital letter)

1. a form of lotto in which balls or slips, each with a number and one of the letters B, I, N, G, or O, are drawn at random and players cover the corresponding numbers printed on their cards, the winner being the first to cover five numbers in any row or diagonal or, sometimes, all numbers on the card.

interjection

1. (used to call a win in bingo.)

2. (used to express suddenness or swiftness, as of an action).

   He waved his hand, and, bingo, the card reappeared.

3. (used to acknowledge someone's sudden understanding or correct response).

   Bingo! That's just what I meant!

bingo

/ ˈbɪŋɡəʊ /

noun

1. a gambling game, usually played with several people, in which numbers selected at random are called out and the players cover the numbers on their individual cards. The first to cover a given arrangement of numbers is the winner Compare lotto

1. a cry by the winner of a game of bingo

2. an expression of surprise at a sudden occurrence or the successful completion of something

   and bingo! the lights went out

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

First recorded in 1935–40; apparently alteration of beano ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bingo¹

C19: perhaps from bing , imitative of a bell ringing to mark the win

Example Sentences

Not many of us had “Jeffrey Epstein” or “Ghislaine Maxwell” on our bingo cards — to mix metaphors while gilding the lily.

From Salon

The proposals focus on online gambling firms - the fast-growing part of the industry - and avoid any changes to bingo or lotteries.

From BBC

"I was NOT prepared for the placenta pic," wrote one, and another replied: "Placenta and placenta pills were not on my bingo card for today but OK."

From BBC

Because we cruised from Canada, casino and bingo hours were limited, and we ended up cashing in unused chips at guest services.

From Salon

If I walk into a bingo night, are they gonna know who I am?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• poker 
• roulette