Boules: meaning, definitions and examples
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boules
[ buːl ]
game sport
Boules is a traditional French game that involves tossing or rolling heavy balls toward a smaller target ball, known as the cochonnet. It is similar to the Italian game of bocce. The objective is to place your balls as close as possible to the target ball to score points.
Synonyms
bocce, petanque.
Examples of usage
- We played boules in the park last weekend.
- The local club hosts weekly boules tournaments.
- He is skilled at boules and often wins matches with his friends.
- They enjoyed a sunny day playing boules by the beach.
Etymology
The word 'boules' comes from the French term meaning 'balls.' The game has roots tracing back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where similar games were played with stones or metal balls. The modern version, consisting of metal balls and a smaller target ball, originated in the 17th century in the Provence region of France. The popularity of boules grew throughout France in the 19th century, evolving into various forms, including pétanque. The game's social and competitive aspects have made it a beloved pastime in many countries, particularly in Mediterranean regions.