noun

googly

GGLEE

Googly (noun) means In cricket, a deceptive delivery bowled by a leg-spin bowler that spins the opposite way to what the batsman expects. Example: “The bowler caught him out with a perfectly disguised googly.”

noun

In cricket, a deceptive delivery bowled by a leg-spin bowler that spins the opposite way to what the batsman expects.

"The bowler caught him out with a perfectly disguised googly."

adj

Wide-eyed or bulging, often describing eyes.

"The cartoon character had big, googly eyes."

How to use googly

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA trick cricket delivery, or a way of describing big, bulging eyes (as in "googly eyes").

Common pairings

googly eyes bowl a googly

Word forms

googlier comparative, googlies plural, googliest superlative

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The bowler caught him out with a perfectly disguised _____.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly linked to "googie," an old slang term for an egg, referencing the ball's unexpected bounce. Popularized by cricketer Bernard Bosanquet around 1900.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 googly joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce

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Synonyms

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bosie wrong 'un bosie ball

Frequently asked questions

What does “googly” mean?

The word “googly” means in cricket, a deceptive delivery bowled by a leg-spin bowler that spins the opposite way to what the batsman expects. In plain terms, a trick cricket delivery, or a way of describing big, bulging eyes (as in "googly eyes").

How do you pronounce “googly”?

“Googly” is pronounced GGLEE (/ˈɡuɡli/ in IPA).

How do you use “googly” in a sentence?

Here is “googly” used in a sentence: “The bowler caught him out with a perfectly disguised googly.”

What part of speech is “googly”?

Depending on how it is used, “googly” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “googly” come from?

The word “googly” dates back to around 1900. Origin uncertain; possibly linked to "googie," an old slang term for an egg, referencing the ball's unexpected bounce. Popularized by cricketer Bernard Bosanquet around 1900.

How many meanings does “googly” have?

“Googly” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in cricket, a deceptive delivery bowled by a leg-spin bowler that spins the opposite way to what the batsman expects.