Meaning & Definition of word "Marbles"

Marbles

/ˈmɑːr.bəlz/

noun:

  • 1. Small, round glass balls used in games or as collectibles.
    • Example: The children played marbles on the playground during recess.
  • 2. A game played with marbles, where players try to hit opponents' marbles out of a designated area.
    • Example: He was an expert at the game of marbles, always managing to win against his friends.
  • 3. A reference to mental state or sanity, as in 'losing one's marbles'.
    • Example: After months of isolation, she feared she was starting to lose her marbles.

verb:

  • 1. To make or cause to become marbled; to streak with color.
    • Example: The artist marbles the paint to create a unique texture on the canvas.

Etymology

The word 'marble' comes from Old French 'marbe', which refers to a small spherical stone.

Common Phrases and Expressions

lose one's marbles:

to become insane or irrational.

keep one's marbles:

to remain sane or rational in difficult situations.

not playing with a full deck of marbles:

to be slightly crazy or not fully rational.

Related Words

marble:

A type of stone often used in sculptures, also referring to the game.

gamer:

A person who plays games, often including marble games.

Slang Meanings of marbles

Meaning: To be crazy or act irrationally.

Example Sentence: After he quit his job without a backup plan, everyone said he lost his marbles.

Meaning: Referring to guts or courage.

Example Sentence: It takes a lot of marbles to pull off a stunt like that.