What does snooker mean?
Snooker is a precise cue sport and, figuratively, a word for deception or obstruction. In the game, players use a cue to strike a white cue ball and a red ball, then coloured balls, building points through a succession of carefully planned shots. The name also came to describe a difficult shooting position in which the cue ball is obstructed from reaching the object ball directly. As a verb, “to snooker” means to deceive, fool, or thwart someone, and the familiar expression “snookered” describes being unfairly trapped or placed at a severe disadvantage. Although snooker requires accuracy, restraint, and geometric thinking, its vocabulary extends well beyond the table: “to snooker someone” commonly means to outmaneuver or deceive them. The sporting term is especially associated with British and Commonwealth English, while the informal idiomatic use is particularly widespread in North America.
A cue sport in which players score points by striking balls with a cue, including a red ball and a sequence of coloured balls.
"He is learning to play snooker."
The game is especially associated with Britain and the Commonwealth, but is also played internationally.
A position in which the cue ball cannot strike the object ball directly.
"Her shot left the opponent in a snooker."
This is chiefly used in snooker and related cue-sport contexts.
To deceive, fool, or unfairly thwart someone.
"They snookered the customer with a misleading offer."
Common in informal usage, especially in North American English.
To place an opponent in a position where a direct shot is impossible.
"The break left the next player snookered."
Used in the terminology of snooker and other cue sports.
Snooker is normally used as an uncountable noun when referring to the game; the plural form is uncommon.
"Local clubs often host competitions and social snookers."
A snooker is a tactical puzzle in which the cue ball is deliberately positioned to make the next shot difficult.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does snooker come from?
The word entered English in the late nineteenth century as British military slang, but the precise origin of that slang is uncertain. It was subsequently adopted for the cue sport, whose development helped establish the modern sense of a tactical obstruction on the table. The verb meaning “to deceive or thwart” developed in parallel with the game and has become particularly common in the expression “snookered.”
Related word forms
How snooker is actually used
The sporting senses are common in British and other English-speaking countries. The figurative expression “snookered” for being deceived or placed at a serious disadvantage is especially common in informal North American English.
Easily confused with snooker
A snooper is someone who secretly watches or investigates people or places, whereas a snooker is a cue sport or a deceptive tactic.